![People attend a vigil for 25-year-old US airman Aaron Bushnell, who died after setting himself ablaze in protest of Israel's war in Gaza, as they gather in front of the Israeli Embassy and the White House in Washington DC, United States on February 25, 2025. [Celal Güneş - Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AA-20250226-37168715-37168682-ACTIVISTS_HELD_A_VIGIL_TO_MARK_THE_1YEAR_ANNIVERSARY_OF_AARON_BUSHNELL_IN_WASHINGTON.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
A memorial service was held last night for Aaron Bushnell, a US Air Force serviceman who self-immolated in response to Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip.
On the first anniversary of his death a group gathered in front of the Israeli Embassy and the White House in Washington, DC to honour Bushnell, surrounding his poster with flowers and candles.
One year ago, Aaron Bushnell took a final stand against the U.S.-backed genocide in Gaza. Last night, we gathered to honor his sacrifice and recommit to the fight for Palestinian liberation. They won’t erase Palestine. We refuse to look away. pic.twitter.com/8zEfpBFt55
— Medea Benjamin (@medeabenjamin) February 26, 2025
In February 2024, Bushnell, 25, set himself on fire in front of the Israeli Embassy to protest Israeli attacks on Gaza.
“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 colonisers, it’s not extreme at all. This is what our ruling class has decided will be normal,” Bushnell said before setting himself on fire.
READ: Palestinian city Jericho names street after Aaron Bushnell