An active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force who set himself ablaze Sunday outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., while shouting “free Palestine,” has died, a U.S. official confirmed to NBC News.
The airman was identified as Aaron Bushnell, 25, of San Antonio, Texas, D.C. police said.
A law enforcement source familiar with the investigation said Monday afternoon that detectives are looking through a room at a Silver Spring Travelodge in connection with Bushnell.
A Montgomery County police spokesperson confirmed they are assisting with a perimeter at the Travelodge in Silver Spring for a federal investigation and referred all other inquiries to the U.S. Secret Service.
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Bushnell livestreamed the incident as he set himself on fire
Wearing military fatigues, Bushnell walked up to the embassy Sunday shortly before 1 p.m. and began livestreaming on the video platform Twitch. Law enforcement officials believe the man started a livestream, set his phone down and then doused himself in accelerant and ignited the flames, the Associated Press reported.
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In video obtained by NBC News, the airman calmly walked up to the Israeli Embassy and said he was about to engage in an extreme act of protest against what he called an act of genocide against the Palestinian people.
The video shows him dumping liquid from a water bottle over his head and then lighting himself on fire.
He repeatedly shouted "Free Palestine" and burned for about a minute before he collapsed on the ground. A U.S. Secret Service officer then began to extinguish the fire, the video shows. Joe Routh, a U.S. Secret Service spokesman, said officers had responded to reports of a person experiencing a possible medical or mental health emergency.
Bushnell was taken to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries. A U.S. official told NBC News on Monday that the airman succumbed to his injuries and died.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police Department said its officers had responded to the scene outside the Israeli Embassy to assist U.S. Secret Service officers and that its bomb squad had also been called to examine a suspicious vehicle. Police said no hazardous materials were found in the vehicle.
The Israeli Embassy said in a statement to NBC News that the "man is unknown." No embassy staff were injured.
The incident happened as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was seeking the cabinet approval for a military operation in the southern Gazan city of Rafah while a temporary ceasefire deal is being negotiated. Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, however, has drawn criticisms, including genocide claims against the Palestinians.
Israel has adamantly denied the genocide allegations and says it is carrying out operations in accordance with international law in the Israel-Hamas war.
Memorial held outside Israeli Embassy
Monday evening, hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered for a growing memorial outside the Israeli Embassy.
“It shouldn't have been necessary because the U.S. should have long since abandoned sending aid to Israel and continuing to prop up their illegal apartheid,” one demonstrator, Gabby, said. “We want a ceasefire immediately.”
Candles and flowers were placed on the sidewalk on International Drive near Van Ness Street.
“Disgusted. I’m angry. I’m really sad,” demonstrator Sammy Q. said. “We don’t need people to resort to this kind of thing... We’ve seen it in Vietnam in the past, and for him to come out here and do that, it’s–I'm ashamed. I’m ashamed to be an American."
In December, a person self-immolated outside the Israeli consulate in Atlanta and used gasoline as an accelerant, according to Atlanta’s fire authorities. A Palestinian flag was found at the scene, and the act was believed to be one of “extreme political protest.”
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.
