On Sunday, the authorities said that a US Air Force member was engulfed in flames after setting himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in northwest Washington, DC.
Fire and emergency services said the man had serious burn injuries.
US Airman Sets Himself on Fire
Members of the US Secret Service uniformed division block access to a street leading to the Embassy of Israel in Washington, DC on February 25, 2024. A man reportedly set himself on fire near the embassy on Sunday afternoon.
The Metropolitan police department responded to an incident on International Drive around 1 pm to assist the Secret Service.
The police department said on X, formerly Twitter, that an adult female was transported by DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to a local hospital, where they remain in critical condition.
Several sources told the Washington Post that a video posted online showed the man in uniform burning himself while chanting "Free Palestine."
He identified himself as an active member of the US Air Force. The individual was reportedly on fire for around a minute before law enforcement put it out, but an Air Force spokeswoman told the Post that they had not identified him.
The police reported that an explosive ordinance disposal unit was also dispatched due to a suspicious vehicle that may be linked to the person. It later stated that no dangerous materials were found.
Furthermore, the Israeli embassy claimed none of its staff were injured.
Pro-Palestinian protesters have focused their efforts on the embassy, demanding an end to the Israeli military's offensive in Gaza, with the death toll likely to pass 30,000 this week.
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Protester Sets Self on Fire in 'Political Protest' in Atlanta
According to Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum, a man who set himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy on Friday was in critical condition. Schierbaum said the incident was likely an extreme act of political protest.
The incident outside the Israeli Consulate General occurred at around noon. Schierbaum said he did not think the incident had "any nexus to terrorism."
Police and fire authorities told reporters at a press conference that a security guard at the midtown Atlanta building noticed the demonstrators outside around noon and attempted to stop them from setting themselves on fire. The authorities said that the security guard's wrist and leg were burned.
Furthermore, the officials claimed that gasoline was utilized as an accelerant, and a Palestinian flag that was a part of the demonstration was found at the scene.
The chief noted that there was no apparent threat to the safety of the Israeli consular officials during the incident. The chief was not aware of any attempt to enter the building, and the incident happened outside the building.
Schierbaum said that the community is safe and added that the department is aware of the tensions that are present right now in the Jewish community and the Muslim community. He ensured that they would continue to remain vigilant to protect communities.
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