The shocking death of U.S. Air Force member Aaron Bushnell, who set himself on fire outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington D.C. on Sunday, has been labeled a "tragic event" by the Pentagon as authorities continue to investigate the incident.
Bushnell, 25, filmed himself as he stood outside the embassy, screaming "Free Palestine" repeatedly before nearby responders extinguished the flames.
At a press conference on Monday, Pentagon spokesperson Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder extended his department's condolences to Bushnell's family, adding that while the U.S. supported "Israel's inherent right to defend itself" it also "continued to actively communicate our expectations that Israel take civilian safety and humanitarian assistance into account into their operation."
Among the commentary was one popular claim that one person seen in the video, pointing a gun toward Aaron Bushnell's body, was an Israeli guard.
The Claim
Multiple posts on X, formerly Twitter, on February 26, 2024, claimed that an Israeli guard pointed a gun at Aaron Bushnell's body as it burned on the ground.
Links to the following social media posts contain disturbing content.
A post by rapper Lowkey, viewed 11.3 million times, said "As people rushed to try and save his life, an Israeli Embassy agent held a gun fixed on Aaron Bushnell following his self-immolation."
MMA fighter Jake Shields' post, viewed 759,800 times, said: "As People rushed out to try and save Aaron Bushnell the Israeli consulate sent someone out to shoot him."
An automated post by user @tanyarlfes, viewed 990,700 times, included a photo of the scene, which labeled the person pointing the gun "Israeli."
Former Utah senatorial candidate Sam Parker's post, viewed 258,800 times, which included the same labeled photo, said "Interesting reactions to Aaron Bushnell. What do you notice?"
The Facts
This claim appears to be based solely on assumption.
Newsweek has contacted multiple authorities involved in the response and investigation of the incident.
It is now understood that the person pointing the gun was U.S. Secret Service (USSS) Uniformed Division personnel, assisting the safety of two other officers who were extinguishing the fire and rendering aid to Bushnell.
Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications at the USSS, told Newsweek: "We are grateful for the efforts of the U.S. Secret Service Uniformed Division officers who courageously acted to render aid while safeguarding fellow first responders and the embassy.
"This situation was unpredictable and occurred rapidly. In that instant, the level of threat to the public and the embassy was unknown, and our officers acted swiftly and professionally."
Among its other duties, the USSS is assigned to protect the White House, the vice president's residence, foreign missions, and "other designated buildings within the Washington, D.C. area."
A report from the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia obtained by Newsweek stated that at 1 p.m. on February 25, 2024, a unit from the Secret Service Uniformed Division "received a distress call regarding an individual exhibiting signs of mental distress outside the Israeli Embassy."
It added: "Before the Secret Service officers could engage, the individual, referred to as Subject-1 (SUB-1), doused himself with an unidentified liquid and set himself on fire. The Secret Service officers promptly intervened, extinguishing the flames before the arrival of the fire department. SUB-1 was subsequently transported to a local hospital due to the burns sustained from the incident.
"Despite all lifesaving efforts, Sub-1 died and was pronounced dead by Dr. Hui Zheng at 2006 hours."
The Pentagon, commenting on Bushnell's death at a press conference on Monday, said Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was "following the situation" and that more information would be forthcoming after next-of-kin notifications were complete.
Among other commentary, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders told Newsweek that Bushnell's death was "a terrible tragedy" and called on the United States to "stand up to [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu" to prevent the death and suffering of the people of Gaza.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "988" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.
The Ruling
False.
After contacting authorities who responded to and are investigating Bushnell's death, it is understood the person in the video, pointing a gun toward Aaron Bushnell, was part of the U.S. Secret Service, not an Israeli guard.
The Secret Service responded to a call on Sunday that an individual was exhibiting signs of "mental distress" outside the embassy. Before officers could engage, Bushnell poured a liquid over his head and set himself on fire. He later died in hospital.
FACT CHECK BY Newsweek's Fact Check team
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
