A man set himself on fire outside of the Israeli embassy in Washington D.C. … apparently protesting the conflict in the Middle East.
Pictures of the protester have been circulating online in the middle of his act of self-immolation, and he was reportedly rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Someone self-immolated (or tried to) outside the Israeli embassy in DC today. https://t.co/YgdNdrOKWC
— Talia Jane ❤️🔥 (@taliaotg) February 25, 2024
@taliaotg
D.C. fire officials reportedly told The Independent … the man lit himself ablaze in the afternoon and was extinguished by United States Secret Service.
Video from outside of the embassy seems to show the aftermath of the protest … with investigators searching the area.
The Metrolitan Police Department’s bomb squad was also reportedly called to check out a suspicious vehicle in the area, but ultimately said it did not contain hazardous material.
The New York Times reported the man self-identified as an active duty Air Force soldier while other outlets claim he said, “I will be no longer complicit in genocide” before starting the fire.
This all seems like one huge protest against the conflict between Israel and Hamas currently raging in the Middle East, kicked off when Hamas agents attacked a music festival — killing hundreds and taking more hostage on October 7, 2023.
Israel responded by launching an all out war against Hamas in Gaza, and tensions between the two sides — and their supporters — has been high in the aftermath.
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We’ve reached out to the Air Force, the embassy and local police for comment … so far no word back.