An active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force was critically injured on Sunday after self-immolating outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. The individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, approached the embassy around 1 p.m. and began livestreaming on Twitch. Law enforcement officials believe he started the livestream, poured accelerant on himself, and set himself on fire, declaring that he 'will no longer be complicit in genocide.'
The video of the incident was later removed from the platform, but authorities have obtained and reviewed a copy. The motive behind the act is currently under investigation, and police have not released further details at this time.
This incident occurred amidst Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts to secure cabinet approval for a military operation in the city of Rafah in Gaza, while negotiations for a temporary cease-fire are ongoing. Israel's military actions in Gaza have faced criticism, with some accusing the country of genocide against Palestinians.
Israel has vehemently denied these allegations, asserting that its operations are conducted in compliance with international law within the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict. This incident is not the first of its kind, as a similar self-immolation protest took place outside the Israeli consulate in Atlanta last December, involving a Palestinian flag and an accelerant.
The Metropolitan Police Department in Washington responded to the scene outside the Israeli Embassy to assist the U.S. Secret Service officers. Additionally, the bomb squad was called to inspect a suspicious vehicle, but no hazardous materials were found inside.
