A man sets himself ablaze outside the Israeli embassy in Washington DC, echoing cries for "Free Palestine" amidst a charged political backdrop.
The distressing episode transpired around 1:00 pm local time on Sunday, as witnesses recounted a scene of chaos and desperation. Prompt intervention by the US Secret Service swiftly doused the flames engulfing the individual, identified as an active-duty airman, before he was rushed to a nearby hospital with critical, life-threatening injuries.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Washington police department and the Secret Service, have launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with authorities meticulously combing through details to unravel the motives behind this shocking act.
As speculation swirls, a chilling video has emerged on social media purportedly capturing the moment when the man, engulfed in flames, passionately shouted "Free Palestine," underscoring the charged political context surrounding the incident.
Heightening the tension, concerns about a suspicious vehicle prompted the deployment of a bomb disposal unit to the scene, although subsequent investigations revealed no hazardous materials, offering a momentary reprieve from the turmoil gripping the area.
Despite the intensity of the ordeal, embassy staff emerged unscathed, providing a small glimmer of relief amidst the chaos. Nevertheless, the Israeli foreign ministry swiftly distanced itself from the assailant, asserting that he was not known to embassy personnel, further deepening the mystery surrounding his actions.
This alarming incident echoes a disturbing trend, reminiscent of a similar self-immolation protest witnessed outside the Israeli consulate in Georgia late last year. With a Palestinian flag found at the scene, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the enduring tensions and impassioned sentiments surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, reverberating far beyond the confines of diplomatic quarters.
