Internet hails Aaron Bushnell as 'hero' after his last words before setting himself on fire at Israel embassy are revealed

WASHINGTON DC, UNITED STATES: Aaron Bushnell's last words seconds before he set himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in Washington DC screaming ''Free Palestine'' as he died, are making waves on the Internet. 

The 25-year-old active-duty member of the US Air Force declared that he “will no longer be complicit in genocide" before setting himself on fire. 

Bushnell had walked up to the embassy shortly before 1 pm on Sunday, February 25, and began livestreaming on Twitch. 

What were Aaron Bushnell's last words?

Aaron Bushnell said before setting himself on fire, "My name is Aaron Bushnell. I'm an active duty member of the United States Air Force. And I will no longer be complicit in genocide," The Mirror reports. 

He goes on to say, "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, it's not extreme at all. This is what our ruling class has decided will be normal."

In the video, he can be seen walking with a screw-top flask open. He places the camera down, backs a few feet, and submerges himself in the contents of the flask. Then he attempts to ignite a lighter while saying, "Free Palestine."

"Hi sir, can I help you?" a bystander asks Bushnell. The bystander repeats the question before Bushnell lights the accelerant setting himself on fire. He yells "Free Palestine" again as the flames devour him, his anguish evident. Bushnell stops talking and the sound of emergency personnel running to him to get a fire extinguisher can be heard.

Internet reacts to Aaron Bushnell's last words

Several users on social media platforms like X reacted with their views on Bushnell's last words. A user wrote, "VIGIL FOR AARON BUSHNELL INFRONT OF ISRAELI EMBASSY IN WA. DC Humanity will prevail, Protesters repeated loudly his last words 'I will no longer be complicit in genocide, Free Palestine.'"

Another user wrote, "He sacrificed his life for the Palestinian plight in the most extreme way known to humankind. Don’t let his last words be forgotten. Rest in Power Aaron Bushnell."

A user wrote, "Aaron Bushnell. We see you. We know your name. We revere your ultimate sacrifice. Your last words “Free Palestine” uttered in pain & conviction resonate in the hearts & minds of all who share your values & recognise your spirit. Palestine loves you & grieves for your passing."

Another user went on saying, "Aaron Bushnell died a tragic death but his story has opened the eyes of MILLIONS across the globe. They even just read his last words live on CNN. He will ALWAYS be a hero! Rest in peace Aaron Bushnell. "

A user said, "Here outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington DC, Palestine supporters mourn the self-immolation of Aaron Bushnell. Here, yesterday, the active duty soldier set himself on fire in uniform. His last words were “Free Palestine.”'

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.