Man hospitalized with life-threatening Injuries after setting himself ablaze outside Israel’s Washington DC Embassy in protest
In a dramatic and harrowing incident, a man set himself on fire outside Israel’s embassy in Washington, DC, on Sunday afternoon, in what appeared to be a desperate act of protest. According to Israel’s foreign ministry, the individual was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, while fortunately, no other casualties were reported.
The identity of the demonstrator remains undisclosed at present. Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene around 1 pm (1800 GMT), as confirmed by DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Secret Service personnel promptly intervened to extinguish the blaze before transporting the man to a local hospital for urgent medical attention.
As a precautionary measure, investigators conducted a search of the man’s vehicle, according to a statement from a Secret Service spokesperson reported by the Chicago Sun-Times. Several first responders were observed outside the embassy, where the distressing incident unfolded.
This unsettling event marks the second instance of self-immolation outside an Israeli establishment in the United States during Israel’s recent conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Just over a month ago, on December 1, a woman set herself on fire outside the Israeli consulate in Atlanta, Georgia, leading to injuries to a security guard who intervened to prevent further harm.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, a Palestinian flag was reportedly discovered at the scene, underscoring the deeply emotive and politically charged nature of the protest.