On Sunday at approximately 13:00 local time, a distressing incident unfolded at the 3500 block of International Drive, NW. An active-duty US Air Force airman, for reasons yet unknown, set himself on fire outside an embassy. The US Secret Service promptly intervened, extinguishing the flames, and the critically injured man was swiftly transported to the hospital.
The Washington police department, in collaboration with the Secret Service and other relevant authorities, is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. The individual, heard shouting “Free Palestine” in a circulating video, remains unidentified to embassy staff.
Notably, this incident bears resemblance to a similar occurrence in December when a protester in Georgia set themselves on fire outside the Israeli consulate, utilizing petrol and displaying a Palestinian flag. Fortunately, in both instances, no embassy staff members were harmed.
Concerns were raised during the recent incident about a suspicious vehicle, prompting the dispatch of a bomb disposal unit. Fortunately, the area was declared safe after no hazardous materials were found.
It’s essential to note that this marks a distressing recurrence, highlighting the vulnerability and complexity surrounding security at Israeli diplomatic missions in the United States. The Israeli foreign ministry clarified that the individual involved was not known to embassy staff. Investigations continue to unravel the motives and circumstances surrounding this deeply concerning event.
