Aaron Bushnell, the 25-year-old United States Air Force member who set himself on fire outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington D.C., passed away as a result of his injuries.
Bushnell took to a livestream to voice his disapproval of the Israeli retaliation against Palestine following the Hamas attack on October 7th last year. In the stream, Bushnell, while en route to the Israeli embassy, explained his feelings about Israel’s handling of the situation, even referring to it as “genocide”.
Aaron described his actions as “an extreme act of protest,” but he went on to say that it is “not extreme at all” compared to what Palestinians have faced due to the retaliation from Israel.
Once he arrived at the embassy, Bushnell placed the camera down, covered himself in a flammable liquid from his water bottle, and ignited it with a lighter. While the flame engulfs Aaron, he continues to yell, “Free Palestine.”
Before firefighters could arrive at the scene, members of the Secret Service had extinguished the flames surrounding Bushnell. He was then rushed to the hospital, where he later passed away.
The United States Air Force released a statement that confirmed Bushnell was an active duty service member on Monday in which they stated,
The Air Force confirmed on Monday that Bushnell is an active duty member and was a cyber defense operations specialist with the 531st Intelligence Support Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio Lackland, Texas. He served on active duty since May 2020.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/02/26/aaron-bushnell-air-force-immolation-dies-palestine/72743565007/
Air Force Col. Celina Noyes, 70th Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance Wing commander released a statement on the incident
“When a tragedy like this occurs, every member of the Air Force feels it … 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.”
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/02/26/aaron-bushnell-air-force-immolation-dies-palestine/72743565007/
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