Air Force Man Self-Immolates Outside Israeli Embassy
A man set himself on fire outside an embassy on International Drive, NW, in Washington, D.C., around 1:00 pm local time on Sunday. Officers from the US Secret Service responded to the incident and successfully extinguished the flames before the man was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The individual, later identified as an active-duty airman by a US Air Force spokeswoman, was heard shouting “Free Palestine” as he burned, as seen in a video circulating on social media.
The Washington police department is actively investigating the incident in coordination with the Secret Service and other relevant authorities. The event unfolded near the 3500 block of International Drive, NW. Concerns about a suspicious vehicle prompted the dispatch of a bomb disposal unit, confirming the absence of hazardous materials.
While the man’s actions were reported to the police, the initial alert came from the US Secret Service seeking assistance. The Israeli foreign ministry noted that the individual was not known to embassy staff, and fortunately, no embassy personnel were harmed during the incident.
This incident evokes memories of a similar event in December, where a protester set themselves on fire outside the Israeli consulate in Georgia, using petrol and leaving a Palestinian flag at the scene. In both instances, individuals resorted to self-immolation as a form of protest near Israeli diplomatic missions in the US.
The incident in Washington adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with such acts of protest highlighting the persistent tensions and differing perspectives on the issue. Authorities are diligently investigating the motives and circumstances surrounding these incidents.
Comment Template