Aaron Bushnell: Who is Aaron Bushnell, US Air Force member sets himself on fire outside Israeli Embassy in Washington

An active-duty member of the US Air Force set himself on fire outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC, on Sunday, according to the Air Force and local authorities.

The man, identified as Aaron Bushnell, was recorded saying, “I will no longer be complicit in genocide” before igniting himself. The incident occurred around 1:00 p.m. on the 3500 block of International Drive, NW. The Metropolitan Police Department responded to assist the United States Secret Service after the individual set himself on fire.

The man was quickly extinguished by the Secret Service officers and was then transported by DC Fire and EMS to a local hospital in critical condition. The Israeli Embassy confirmed that no embassy staff were injured in the incident.

Authorities are investigating the incident, which comes amid ongoing protests against the war in Gaza. The war has sparked pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrations in the United States.

This incident is reminiscent of a similar event in December when a person set themselves on fire outside the Israeli Consulate in Atlanta as an act of political protest.

Israel is currently engaged in a military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, following a series of attacks by the Palestinian Islamist group. According to Israeli authorities, Hamas killed 1,200 people in Israel and seized 253 hostages in a cross-border attack on October 7. In response, Israeli forces have launched a military campaign in Gaza, resulting in nearly 30,000 deaths, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

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