On February 25, Aaron Bushnell, a 25-year-old member of the United States Air Force, participated in an act of self-immolation in an effort to protest against the United States’ support of Israel. 

 

Bushnell, originally from Massachusetts, placed his phone on the ground and lit himself on fire in front of the Israeli Embassy in Washington D.C., in the video we can see security officials flustered over what to do. 

Image credit: Wikipedia

 

One is seen pointing a gun at Bushnell as he is in flames while the other shouts. 

 

“I don’t need a gun, I need a fire extinguisher!” a security is seen yelling in the video. 

 

“Free Palestine” were Bushnell’s last words. Following this act of self-immolation, there have been multiple vigils put up in Bushnell’s honor. 

 

At one vigil in Oregon on February 28th, veterans can be seen burning their uniforms to honor Bushnell and what he was fighting for. 

 

Veterans and protesters can be seen saying on a video posted on X by MaydeenEnglish at Bushnell’s vigil, “Free Palestine, remember Arron Bushnell, he is not alone.”

 

There have been multiple other vigils set up in Bushnell’s honor and the “Free Palestine” movement across the United States. 

 

In Washington D.C at the sight of Bushnell’s death, a vigil was taken down by the Israeli Embassy. However, protesters did not stop fighting. 

 

They set up tents outside and started to put up more pictures and flowers after they had been taken down, and planned to stay there to be sure they were not talken down again.

 

In a video posted on TikTok by @a.mbrosial shows police cars and cops standing across the street from the vigil. Along with this, some of the cops are strapped with what looks like protective body gear and helmets. 

 

When the people across from the vigil seem to be sitting in silence in front of the Israeli Embassy, some can be seen holding flags or posters. However, seemingly it looks like a peaceful protest. 

 

The Mayor of Washington D.C., Muriel Bowser has yet to make a comment on Bushnell, the vigils, or what this means for the State during this conflict between Israel and Palestine.