Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Aaron Bushnell

 


In the US, President Joe Biden still can't come to the aid of the Palestinians.  More and more people   just can't stomach anymore of the killing.  Aaron Bushnell was one such person.



Yesterday reports emerged about the actions Aaron took.   Jordan Freiman (CBS NEWS) reported, "An active-duty U.S. Air Force member is in critical condition after he set himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, officials said. The man set himself on fire around 1 p.m. ET and both the U.S. Secret Service and Metropolitan Police Department responded, the agencies said."  Didi Tang and Michael Balsamo (AP) added, "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 person said. " And ALJAZEERA noted, "In December, a protester set herself on fire outside the Israeli Consulate in Atlanta. A Palestinian flag was found at the scene, and the act was believed to be one of 'extreme political protest'."  Chad De Guzman (TIME) became the first reporter at a US outlet to name Aaron, "The burn victim, who identified himself in video of the incident as 25-year-old Aaron Bushnell, reportedly succumbed to his injuries on Sunday night, according to independent journalist Talia Jane, who posted on social media that she is in contact with Bushnell’s family and friends." 

MIDDLE EAST EYE has posted the video.  As he walks up to the embassy, he explains what has led to this.  He then pours gasoline on himself and then sets himself on fire.  Here are his final words.
 

Aaron Bushnell: I am an active duty member of the United States Air Force and I will no longer be complicit in genocide.  I'm about to engage in an extreme act of protest.  But compared to what people have been experiencing in Palestine at the hands of their colonizers is not extreme at all.  This is what our ruling class has decided will be normal. Free Palestine.  Free Palestine!  Free Palestine! Free Palestine!