Anti-Israel protester sets himself ablaze during demonstration outside White House in horrifying video

Warning: Graphic content, readers’ discretion advised

WASHINGTON, DC: A man protesting against Israel set himself on fire during a demonstration outside the White House on Saturday, October 4, reported the New York Post.

Photojournalist Samuel Mena Jr, an anti-Israel protester, took a drastic step by setting his left arm on fire to mark the first anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war.

A shocking video captured the moment, prompting stunned onlookers and police to rush to his aid.

The Washington DC Metropolitan Police reported that Mena set himself on fire at the 800 block of 16th Street, near the president's residence, around 5:45 pm local time.

Anti-Israel protester screams about spreading 'misinformation' after igniting his arm on fire

As people rushed to assist him, Samuel Mena Jr raised his hand, still engulfed in flames that had already scorched his shirt sleeves.

According to another clip shared on X (formerly Twitter), the DC Metropolitan Police quickly restrained the protester after onlookers extinguished the flames.

Mena, shouting that he was a journalist, had his arm doused with water by a bystander after he exclaimed, "We spread the misinformation."

"I'm a journalist, and I said it was okay," Mena continued shouting as a woman hugged him.

An officer in a white shirt quickly arrived at the scene, instructing bystanders to "back it up" while pushing away the man who had been pouring water on the protester's burnt hand.

Mena's injuries were non-life-threatening, and DC Fire and EMS transported him to a nearby hospital for treatment.

In response to the shocking incident, the department highlighted the District of Columbia's long history of peaceful First Amendment activities and noted the Metropolitan Police Department's role in managing hundreds of demonstrations and events each year.

"We will continue to support those who choose to protest peaceful and safely, and we will continue to hold accountable those who commit criminal acts while in our city," the department added.

Samuel Mena Jr lit his arm in support of Gaza's children

Before taking the drastic measure, Samuel Mena Jr wrote on his website that he was questioning the media's impartiality in reporting on the Gaza conflict.

"To the 10 thousand children in Gaza that have lost a limb in this conflict, I give my left arm to you," he wrote in the rather lengthy post. "I pray my voice was able to raise up yours, and that your smiles never disappear."

Mena, a journalism graduate from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, worked at the local CBS affiliate AZFamily for two years, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Protesters gathered near the White House on October 5 ahead of the first anniversary of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war that broke out on October 7, 2023.

More than 1,200 people were killed in Hamas' attack on Israel on that day, triggering the ongoing conflict. Amid persistent calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, the Israeli military has reportedly killed around 40,000 Palestinians to date.