Remembering Aaron Bushnell

A vigil is held for Aaron Bushnell, who self-immolated in protest against the US government’s continuous support for the Israeli government in its siege on Gaza. Levi Pierpont, a close friend of Bushnell, yearns for his death to not be in vain, stressing Americans and enlisted military officials have the choice to not be “complicit in genocide,” and to remain “committed to the cause of justice for oppressed people.” Source: The Guardian

The United States government has exhibited inaction towards Israel’s bombardment of Gaza since October, where over 33,000 Palestinians have been killed. This has included the U.S’ consistent vetoes of ceasefire resolutions at the United Nations Security Council, the passages of various $10+ billion weapons packages to the IDF (with additional funding seemingly on the horizon), and President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken’s press statements over the past few months reaffirming the U.S’ support for Israel. However, in the midst of this, it was 25 year old Aaron Bushnell—an active U.S. Air Force member—who garnered international attention for a drastic measure. 

On the early afternoon of February 25th, Bushnell live streamed himself in his uniform approaching the Israeli embassy in Washington before announcing he was “about to engage in an extreme act of protest.” Still filming, he then put his phone down, doused himself with accelerant, and lit himself on fire. Bushnell collapsed onto the cement, screaming he “will no longer be complicit in genocide.” He died of his burn injuries later that evening. His last words were reportedly, “free Palestine.” 

Perhaps one of the most disturbing images from Bushnell’s self-immolation was one before he fell to the ground; after he ignited himself and was screaming in pain, an embassy officer—rather than trying to alleviate and defuse the situation—aimed his gun at the burning Bushnell, repeatedly telling him to get on the ground. It took a second officer to arrive at the scene to request assistance in extinguishing the flames. 

That haunting image perhaps best epitomizes the West's response to Israel's war crimes and plausible genocide against Palestinians over the past six months. Despite witnessing horrific death and destruction, the West's actions seem to fuel greater violence, polarization, and dehumanization of the Palestinian cause. Surprisingly, Bushnell’s story isn’t the first instance of immolation for Palestinian justice. This past December, a pro-Palestinian protester similarly lit themselves on fire by the Israeli consulate in Atlanta and sustained critical injuries. 

Across the United States, hundreds of vigils have been held to commemorate Bushnell’s death and to remember the fight for Palestinian liberation he so vehemently advocated for. A Portland, OR vigil saw veterans burning their uniforms to poignantly express their solidarity with Bushnell and Palestine, reinforcing the message that America’s continuous involvement in the Middle East remains wildly unpopular with those who’ve served there. National organizations such as Veterans for Peace have voiced disgust for Israel and the U.S’s actions, warning against following similar paths of bloodshed seen in Iraq and Afghanistan. Additionally, a New York City vigil saw protestors emphasize a harrowing message Bushnell left behind in a final note— that one’s actions now dictate how one would have acted during the eras of slavery, the holocaust, or apartheid.

The government response was widely one that expressed sorrow for the loss of an esteemed and respected veteran. Senator Bernie Sanders called Bushnell’s death a “terrible tragedy,” adding, “I think it speaks to the depths of despair that so many people are feeling now about the horrific humanitarian disaster taking place in Gaza, and I share those deep concerns.” The Air Force also shared their condolences, with Colonel Celina Noyes stating, “When a tragedy like this occurs, every member of the Air Force feels it.” The Air Force added that Bushnell’s life was one dedicated to the highest class of service, respect, and compassion for the US military. 

Internationally, Bushnell’s death was also hailed as an act of heroism. The Palestinian town of Jericho named a street after Bushnell in his honor, with the town’s mayor, Abdul Karim Sidr, praising Bushnell as a man who “sacrificed everything” and held a deep “love for freedom and a desire to stand against these attacks [on Gaza].” Additionally, Hamas issued a statement, expressing their “heartfelt condolences,” to Bushnell’s family while eulogizing his sacrifice as one that “immortalized his name as a defender of human values and the oppression of the suffering Palestinian people.”

While many look to Bushnell as a martyr and hero in the fight for Palestine, some were quick to minimize his actions. GOP Senator Tom Cotton labeled Bushnell an “extremist,” who acted “in support of a terrorist group.” The Jerusalem Post similarly criticized Bushnell, citing his actions as “irresponsible,” while bashing the “radical left’s glorification” of “political violence.” The Israeli-based publication further went on to claim Bushnell’s acts were caused by mental illness, despite providing no evidence of these claims. Bushnell’s sentiment towards Israel's increasingly disastrous siege on Palestine isn’t an unpopular one. Over two-thirds of US voters support an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, with this figure likely to rise as deaths increase and the living conditions of Palestinians drop to new lows. The Israeli government has blocked aid from UNRWA to the Gaza Strip while 70% of people—many of whom are women children—face starvation. Meanwhile, the IDF continues to target hospitals, journalists, and what little humanitarian aid has been able to cross into the now densely-populated Rafah. 

However, Bushnell’s actions may have set a precedent for international officials in speaking out and acting against Israel. Just a month since his death, the Prime Minister of Ireland publicly expressed the Irish government’s solidarity with Palestinians, the Spanish government is now leading attempts towards recognizing the Palestinian state, and the Canadian government has blocked the sale of arms to Israel. Additionally, dozens of U.S. officials have spoken out against Israel’s crimes and systemic oppression of Palestinians. 

Clearly, the socio-political pressure matters and will continue in its influence and significance. As heartbreaking stories and gut-wrenching images—like those of Hind Rajab and Sidra Hassouna—emerge as the days go on, the need for a Palestinian state free of danger, occupation, and starvation becomes more dire, as Bushnell’s life and death emphasized. In his final note and will, he requested for a cremation, and wished that, if the day arrives, “I would love for my ashes to be scattered in a free Palestine.”