A man is in critical condition after attempting to self-immolate outside the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C., on Sunday afternoon.
D.C. Fire and Emergency Services responded to the scene just before 1 p.m., a spokesperson confirmed to the Post.
Fire officials added that by the time first responders arrived, the fire had already been extinguished by members of the U.S. Secret Service.
The man was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The Israeli embassy did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment on the incident.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that no embassy staff were injured in the fire. According to GLZ Radio.
Fire engines and other emergency vehicles (including hazardous materials personnel) were then seen arriving at the scene to deal with the suspicious vehicle. Freelance reporter Andrew Leyden shared on X.
The incident came after months of political tension over Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack and subsequent Israeli ground operations in the Gaza Strip.
Earlier on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the controversial attack on the southern city of Rafah, saying it “must be done” for a “complete victory.”
Rafah is now Gaza’s most densely populated city after Palestinians in the north were forced to flee from Israeli offensives in the north.
