KUALA LUMPUR – A man remains in critical condition after setting himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in Washington DC yesterday.
The authorities said the man was sent to hospital after the fire was put out by US Secret Service officers and DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services.
Police and the Secret Service are investigating the incident.
According to a video of the incident that was shared online, the man was in a uniform and shouted “Free Palestine” as he was engulfed in flames for about a minute.
He apparently identified himself as a US air force member. However, an air force spokesperson told The Washington Post it had not identified the man.
An explosive-ordnance disposal unit was called to check on a vehicle that might be linked to the man but no hazardous material was found.
None of the embassy staff were injured.
The ongoing siege on Gaza after the Hamas attack on Israel last October has resulted in nearly 30,000 deaths, mainly women and children. So far, Israel has reported nearly 1,200 deaths.
The embassy has been the target of continued protest against Israel’s onslaught and violence in Gaza. – February 26, 2024