An active-duty airman tragically died after setting himself on fire outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. on Sunday. The incident was a protest against U.S. support for Israel’s war in Gaza. The airman has been identified as 25-year-old Aaron Bushnell from San Antonio. The shocking event occurred around 1 p.m. on International Drive NW, and a video shared online shows the airman shouting “Free Palestine!” as he burned.
The airman’s death was confirmed by D.C. police spokesman Paris Lewbel, who stated that he was pronounced dead at a hospital on Sunday night. The Air Force spokeswoman, Rose M. Riley, confirmed that an active-duty airman was involved in the incident, but further details about his military service were not immediately available.
Uniformed Secret Service officers responded to a report of a possible medical or mental health emergency and discovered the fire. They managed to extinguish the flames before D.C. firefighters arrived at the scene. The airman was then rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The video footage of the incident is just over three minutes long and captures the moment when the airman approaches the gate of the embassy. A person can be heard asking if they can help him before the airman sets himself on fire. Law enforcement quickly intervened and put out the fire.
Authorities are still investigating the incident, and it’s uncertain whether the Air Force will conduct its own investigation into the man’s actions. However, it is worth noting that Defense Department policy prohibits service members from engaging in partisan political activity and from making political statements that may imply military endorsement. This policy is especially significant when it comes to actions performed while in uniform.
The airman’s protest was in response to the Israel-Gaza war that began in October. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 29,600 people have been killed in Gaza since then. Israel estimates that 1,200 people were killed in Hamas’s attack on October 7 and reports 240 soldier deaths since the start of its military operation in Gaza. During the attack, Hamas and allied fighters took over 250 people hostage. While more than 100 hostages were freed in November, Israeli authorities believe that more than 100 remain in Gaza.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the deep emotions and tensions surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict. It also highlights the challenges faced by military personnel who may have personal opinions on political matters but must adhere to strict guidelines regarding political involvement while representing the armed forces.
