Washington [US], February 26: A man set himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in Washington DC (USA) on February 25 and is in critical condition after being taken to the emergency room.
CNN quoted a statement from the Washington Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) saying: "The Metropolitan Police Department responded to the 3500 block of International Drive, NW, at approximately 1 p.m. to assist the US Secret Service after when an individual set himself on fire in front of an embassy in the block".
MPD said the man was transported by emergency responders to a local hospital and remains in critical condition.
A spokesman for the Israeli embassy said the man's identity was unknown and "no embassy staff were injured".
Meanwhile, Reuters cited confirmation from the US Air Force that the person who self-immolated was an active duty soldier of this force.
According to communications officer Vito Maggiolo of the Washington DC fire department, by the time firefighters were dispatched to the scene, the fire had been extinguished by the US Secret Service.
MPD is working with the US Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to investigate further. It is unclear what the motive for the incident is.
In December 2023, a person set himself on fire outside the Israeli consulate in Atlanta (USA), an incident that police said "may have been an act of extreme political protest". Police and fire officials told reporters at a news conference that a Palestinian flag used for protests was recovered at the scene and gasoline was used as an incendiary.
The above incidents took place in the context of Israel's military campaign in the Gaza Strip in response to the attack by Hamas forces on October 7, 2023, injuring about 1,100 people and hundreds of people being arrested in the Strip. Gaza hostage. Health officials in the Gaza Strip said nearly 30,000 people have died in this land since the war broke out.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
