An active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force, Aaron Bushnell, made headlines on Sunday with a dramatic act of protest outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. He set himself on fire in defiance of Israel’s atrocities in Gaza, live-streaming the event on Twitch to declare his refusal to participate in the oppression and genocide of Palestinians.
Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene after reports of a person ablaze outside the embassy. Bushnell, critically injured, was rushed to a nearby hospital. The U.S. Air Force confirmed his active-duty status, and authorities are investigating the incident alongside the Secret Service and other agencies.
In his live-streamed message, Bushnell emphasized his moral objection to being complicit in the genocide of the Palestinian people, drawing attention to the disproportionate suffering of Palestinians. This event echoes a similar protest by an unnamed woman in December, underlining the extreme measures some individuals feel like they have to take to voice their opposition to Israeli actions in Gaza.
The ongoing protests outside the embassy reflect widespread outrage over Israel’s bombing campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians. While investigations continue, concerns arise about the impact of military service on personal ethics, as Bushnell’s actions spotlight the moral dilemmas faced by service members in such situations.
