The Pentagon said the actions of a US Air Force member who self-immolated outside the Israeli embassy in Washington to protest Israel’s war in the Gaza Strip were a “tragic event.”
The airman, identified as 25-year-old Aaron Bushnell of San Antonio, Texas, died after the incident.
“This is certainly a tragic event,” Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters. “We extend our condolences to the aviator’s family.”
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D.C. law enforcement outside the Israeli Embassy. On Sunday, an airman died after attempting to self-immolate in front of the Israeli embassy. (Fox News)
Ryder referred questions about the incident to local authorities in Washington, D.C.
After livestreaming to Twitch on Sunday afternoon, Bushnell walked up to the building in front of the Israeli embassy and set himself on fire. “I will no longer participate in genocide,” he said in the video, according to the Associated Press.
He then put down his phone, doused himself with accelerant and set himself on fire. The video was removed from the platform, but authorities obtained a copy.
“The individual involved in yesterday’s incident succumbed to his injuries last night,” the Air Force said in a statement Sunday night.
The Air Force said it would provide additional information the next day after military officials complete notification of his next of kin.
The Israeli military said the photo shows troops operating inside the Gaza Strip on Sunday, November 5. (Israel Defense Forces, via AP)
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Fox News Digital has contacted the military.
The incident occurred as Israel continues its military offensive in southern Gaza. Israel said its military response to the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas was in accordance with international law.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
