An individual identified as a U.S. Air Force member tragically passed away after setting himself on fire outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., as an apparent protest against the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, a U.S. official confirmed. The Air Force is currently withholding his name pending completion of next of kin notification protocols.
The District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Service Department swiftly responded to the scene after receiving a report of a person engulfed in flames outside the embassy. The Secret Service’s uniformed division managed to extinguish the fire before further harm was done. The protester was captured on video shouting “Free Palestine” before collapsing to the ground.
In a live stream, he condemned the Israeli military action in Gaza as “genocide” and declared his self-immolation as a lesser form of suffering compared to that endured by the Palestinian people. Clad in military attire, he recorded himself pouring liquid from a water bottle over his head before igniting the flames.
The injured man was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition, according to D.C. Fire and EMS, with confirmation from an Air Force spokesperson that he was an active duty member. Fortunately, no embassy staff were harmed in the incident.
This tragic event follows a similar incident in December, where an individual set themselves on fire outside the Israeli Consulate General building in Atlanta, waving a Palestinian flag as a symbol of protest described by police as an “extreme political statement.” Protests have escalated since Hamas initiated attacks on Israel, resulting in significant casualties and hostage situations.
As tensions escalate, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has proposed plans for the evacuation of civilians from conflict zones in Gaza, including the potential for a ground offensive in Rafah. International figures, including the UN Secretary-General, have expressed concerns over the safety of civilians seeking refuge in Gaza, urging against a full-scale Israeli assault.
In times of crisis, support is crucial. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for assistance. Additional resources can be found at SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
This story is still developing, so please stay tuned for updates.
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