A United States Airman died after he set himself on fire as a protest for the innocent Palestinians affected by the Israel-HAMAS conflict in front of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC on February 25.
Aaron Bushnell, 25, from San Antonio, Texas, performed what is described as an “extreme act of protest” in front of the U.S.-Israel embassy.
Bushnell was serving active duty in the United States Air Force in Washington, DC when he began a livestream on the streaming platform Twitch, where he recorded himself in front of the Israeli Embassy pouring an unidentified accelerant from a water bottle onto himself.
Bushnell proceeded to set himself ablaze with what a lighter while shouting, ”Free Palestine,” and that he would, ”No longer be complicit in genocide.”
Bushnell was then transported by emergency services to a local hospital, where he later died of his injuries.
Previously on the livestream, Bushnell said that what he plans to do is nowhere near the suffering that the Palestinian people have to go through.
”I get why he feels that way towards Palestine, but I wouldn't burn myself to death over it.” Says NHS junior Oscar Martin says
Once Bushnell’s identity was confirmed by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), it was found that he worked as a Cyber Defense Operations Specialist assigned to the 70th ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) wing. Bushnell served with the 531st Intelligence Squadron and had been on active duty since 2020.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Senior Airman Bushnell. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, and we ask that you respect their privacy during this difficult time,” Col. Celina Noyes, Commander of the 70th ISR Wing said.
It was also discovered that this was not the first time someone had self-immolated over the Israel-Palestine conflict. Last December, an unidentified individual set themselves on fire in front of the Israeli Consulate in Atlanta, Georgia in what was described as an extreme act of protest A Palestinian flag was found at the scene.
Since the October 7th HAMAS terror attacks on Israel killing approximately 1,200, Israel has been besieging Palestine with little regard to whom inhabits the area affected. This includes innocent civilians, women, and children. According to the HAMAS-run Gaza health ministry, around 30,000 persons have been killed within Gaza.
“I pray for the people affected by this problem. I think Israel needs to stop their attacks and realize the harm they’re causing to innocent people just like us.” Said NHS junior Cole Sgagliardich.