US Airman Ignites Self Near Israeli Embassy in DC
TL/DR –
An active-duty US airman has set himself on fire in front of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., according to the US Air Force. The man, who is in critical condition in hospital, was reportedly shouting “Free Palestine” while he self-immolated. The incident follows a similar occurrence in December when a protester self-immolated at the Israeli consulate in Atlanta.
US Airman Critically Injured After Setting Himself on Fire in Front of Israeli Embassy
An active-duty U.S. airman set himself on fire in front of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., according to a confirmation from the U.S. Air Force. The startling incident occurred hours before the confirmation was issued.
The airman is critically injured and is being treated at a nearby hospital, as per the statement from D.C. Fire and Emergency Services (FEMS).
D.C. FEMS received a distress call reporting a man on fire around 1 p.m. on Sunday. Vito Maggiolo, a FEMS spokesperson, stated that the U.S. Secret Service personnel had already put out the fire upon their arrival. The airman was immediately transported to a hospital for treatment of severe, life-threatening injuries.
The Air Force confirmed the man to be an active-duty member. A video of the incident revealed the airman shouting “Free Palestine” as he set himself on fire dressed in Air Force uniform. His identity remains undisclosed.
Incidents like this are not unprecedented. In December, a protester self-immolated at the Israeli consulate in Atlanta during a protest against Israel’s military actions in the Gaza Strip. The authorities found a Palestinian flag near the consulate.
The Israeli Embassy has not yet responded to requests for comment on the incident.
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