US air force member dies after setting himself on fire outside Israeli embassy

Flags and posters of kidnapped people are seen outside of the Israeli Embassy, Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, in Washington. An active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force has died after he set himself ablaze outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., while declaring that he "will no longer be complicit in genocide." Picture: AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein

A serving member of the US air force has died after he set himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in Washington DC while declaring he “will no longer be complicit in genocide”.

The 25-year-old airman, Aaron Bushnell, of San Antonio, Texas, died from his injuries, the Metropolitan Police Department said.

He had walked up to the embassy shortly before 1pm on Sunday and began livestreaming on the video streaming platform Twitch, a person familiar with the matter told the Associated Press.

Law enforcement officials believe the man started a livestream, put his phone down and then set himself on fire. 

At one point, he said he “will no longer be complicit in genocide”, the person said. The video was later removed from the platform, but law enforcement officials have obtained and reviewed a copy.

The incident happened as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking cabinet approval for a military operation in the southern Gazan city of Rafah while a temporary ceasefire deal is being negotiated.

Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, however, has drawn criticism, including genocide claims against the Palestinians.

Israel has adamantly denied the genocide allegations and says it is carrying out operations in accordance with international law in the Israel-Hamas war.