US soldier dies after setting himself on fire outside Israeli embassy to protest Gaza

• Bushnell had declared he would no longer be complicit in genocide before the incident.
• He began a live stream on Twitch, set his phone down, and ignited the flames.
• The incident occurred as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought cabinet approval for a military operation in Rafah.

Aaron Bushnell, a 25-year-old airman from San Antonio, Texas, died from his injuries after setting himself ablaze outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. He declared that he “will no longer be complicit in genocide” before the incident, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.

Bushnell walked up to the embassy shortly before 1 pm on Sunday and began livestreaming on the video streaming platform Twitch, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press. Law enforcement officials believe the man started a livestream, set his phone down, and then doused himself in accelerant and ignited the flames. At one point, he said he “will no longer be complicit in genocide.” The video was later removed from the platform, but law enforcement officials obtained and reviewed a copy.

The person speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation.

The incident occurred as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought cabinet approval for a military operation in the southern Gazan city of Rafah while negotiating a temporary cease-fire deal. Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, however, has drawn criticisms, including claims of genocide against the Palestinians.

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