An active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force set himself on fire Sunday afternoon outside of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., officials confirmed.
Officials received a call around 12:58 p.m. regarding a report of a person “on fire” outside of the Israeli Embassy, D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter). Upon arrival to the scene, the man had been extinguished by members of the Secret Service Uniformed Division, according to authorities. (RELATED: Netanyahu Pushes Back On Margaret Brennan’s ‘Grenades,’ Claims Israeli People Are ‘United’ Behind His Plan)
At 12:58 PM @dcfireems responded to call for person on fire outside the Israeli Embassy. Arrived to find fire extinguished by members of @SecretService Uniformed Division. 1 adult male transported critical life threatening injuries to an area hospital. #DCBravest
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) February 25, 2024
The man was identified as Aaron Bushnell, 25, of San Antonio, according to CNN. A spokesperson for the Air Force confirmed Bushnell was active-duty, the outlet reported.
Video footage showing emergency crews outside the embassy as well as an image of Bushnell on fire circulated X. The photo appears to show Bushnell in uniform standing in front of the entrance gates being engulfed by flames. Bushnell allegedly stated he would “no longer be complicit in genocide” and allegedly yelled “Free Palestine” while he was on fire, according to unconfirmed reports posted online.
#BREAKING | A man set himself on fire in front of the Israeli embassy in Washington DC pic.twitter.com/EpM2tOf34h
— Breaking news 24/7 (@aliifil1) February 25, 2024
Bushnell was transported to a local hospital by emergency responders in critical condition where he died, according to the outlet.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) stated its Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) had been requested to investigate a suspicious vehicle believed to possibly be connected to Bushnell. The vehicle was later confirmed to be cleared “with no hazardous materials found,” according to police.
Department of Defense Directive 1344.10 outlines political activities active-duty members of the military may participate in, including when in uniform.
Editors note: This story has been updated with details about the victim.