US Air Force member dies after setting himself on fire outside Washington DC's Israeli embassy
In footage of the incident, the officer can be heard screaming 'I will no longer be complicit in genocide' while he is engulfed in flames
A US Air Force serviceman has died after setting himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in Washington DC in protest against the "genocide" in Gaza.
Aaron Bushnell, 25, from San Antonio, Texas filmed his protest and began livestreaming the video streaming platform Twitch on Sunday.
Police believe the man started the stream, set his phone down and then doused himself in accelerant and ignited the flames.
In the footage, he can be heard shouting “I will no longer be complicit in genocide."
The video has now been removed by the platform. But police confirmed they have obtained and reviewed a copy.
In a statement Monday, the Air Force said: "The individual involved in yesterday’s incident succumbed to his injuries and passed away last night."
The Air Force said it would provide additional information a day after military officials complete notifying his next of kin.
It is the second known instance of self-immolation outside an Israeli embassy in recent months.
In December a protester set themselves on fire outside the Israeli consulate in Atlanta, Georgia. The act was believed to be one of “extreme political protest.”
It comes amid growing tensions over Israel's expanding operation in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently seeking the cabinet approval for a military operation in the southern Gazan city of Rafah, where over half of the enclaves population is seeking refuge.
A temporary ceasefire deal is being negotiated to allow aid into Gaza and allow the release of Hamas held hostages.
Israel has faced mounting criticisms of its campaign, including genocide claims against the Palestinians.
Since October 7, when Hamas killed at least 1,200 people in Israel, the Palestinian health ministry says more than 29,000 Palestinians have been killed.
Israel has adamantly denied the genocide allegations and says it is carrying out operations in accordance with international law.
Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know