A man claiming to be an active-duty U.S. Air Force member self-immolated outside the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C., officials confirmed Sunday afternoon.
According to a statement posted by DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) on said he had received a report. Once the man arrived at the scene, members of the Uniformed Division of the Secret Service extinguished the fire, authorities said. (Related: Prime Minister Netanyahu pushes back against Margaret Brennan's 'grenade', insists Israelis are 'united' behind his plan)
At 12:58 p.m. @dcfireems They responded to a call of someone on fire outside the Israeli embassy. Upon arrival, the fire had been extinguished by members of the team. @secret Service uniform department. One adult male was transported to an area hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries. #DC Brave Best
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) February 25, 2024
Video footage showing paramedics outside the embassy and images of an unidentified man on fire were circulated in the X newspaper. The photo appears to show a man in uniform standing in front of the entrance gate, engulfed in flames. According to unconfirmed reports posted online, the man allegedly said “I will no longer take part in genocide” and shouted “Liberate Palestine” as he fired.
#breaking news | Man commits self-immolation in front of Israeli embassy in Washington DC pic.twitter.com/EpM2tOf34h
— 24/7 breaking news (@aliifil1) February 25, 2024
The man was taken by paramedics to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition, authorities said. The Metropolitan Police Department announced that the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Department (EOD) has been asked to investigate a suspicious vehicle believed to be related to the man. Police said the vehicle was later determined to contain “no hazardous materials.”
The man's identity had not yet been released as of this article's publication, and Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek said authorities had not yet confirmed the man's claims regarding his job status. according to In the Washington Post.
