Washington D.C. is still reeling from the shocking self-immolation of Airman Aaron Bushnell outside the Israeli embassy this weekend. As officials investigate the motives behind his fiery suicide protest, accusations have emerged online claiming Israel’s spy agency Mossad celebrated his death. But is this disturbing allegation true?
The Tragedy Outside the Embassy
At approximately 1pm on Saturday February 25th, 2024, 25-year-old Aaron Bushnell, an active duty member of the U.S. Air Force, arrived at the Israeli embassy in Washington D.C. Carrying a bottle of accelerant, he proceeded to douse himself in the liquid and set himself alight while shouting “Free Palestine!”
Bystander video captured his agonized cries as flames engulfed his body on the driveway. The footage rapidly circulated online, sparking outrage and demands for answers. D.C. emergency services rushed Bushnell to hospital but he later succumbed to his horrific injuries.
Metropolitan Police are working with the Secret Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to investigate the troubling incident. But with Bushnell dead, the tragic mystery surrounding his motivations remains.
Mossad Celebration Claims Go Viral
In the wake of the shocking event, several high profile social media figures shared images allegedly showing Mossad, Israel’s national intelligence agency, celebrating Bushnell’s gruesome suicide.
Rapper Lowkey was among the first to highlight the purported Mossad post, which featured the text “Our enemies kill themselves.”
“The account of Israel’s external intelligence agency mocked the death of US soldier Aaron Bushnell as he self-immolated and cried “Free Palestine” outside the Israeli embassy in Washington,” Lowkey wrote.
Former Utah senatorial candidate Sam Parker also shared the post, commenting: “Here is a deleted post, Mossad is calling a US soldier their enemy.”
MMA fighter Jake Shields likewise spread the image, writing: “Mossad labeling United States Air Force an ENEMY to the state of @Israel.”
The disturbing Mossad post rapidly circulated across Twitter and Facebook, provoking outrage at Israel’s apparent gloating over the horrific demise of a U.S. serviceman.
But Was It Really Mossad?
The Mossad commentary shared by Lowkey, Parker and Shields appears highly dubious upon closer inspection.
The post came from a Twitter account named @Mossadil, which has no verified affiliation with the real Israeli intelligence agency. It was not shared on any official Mossad social media channels.
The legitimate Twitter presence for Mossad is an account called @Mossad_career. This account, linked from the spy agency’s official website, has been inactive since 2020.
@Mossadil has previously shared inflammatory anti-Palestinian disinformation, leading to fact checks from Snopes, the BBC and other outlets. The account spreads falsehoods for propaganda purposes and has no ties to the real Mossad.
Its gleeful Aaron Bushnell post was just another piece of disreputable fake news.
Mossad’s True Response
While @Mossadil cynically celebrated Bushnell’s suicide, the real Mossad has made no public statement on the matter whatsoever.
Israel’s government is well-known for its disciplined message control, particularly regarding its spy agencies. Mossad does not spontaneously post taunts about foreign military personnel on social media.
The lack of any verified Mossad communication on Bushnell makes the celebratory posts highly dubious.
Israeli officials have completely stonewalled the shocking incident so far. The only substantial reactions have come from Washington, not Tel Aviv.
U.S. Air Force spokespeople confirmed Bushnell’s identity and active duty status. But Mossad has offered zero commentary, as is typical for the infamously secretive and security-conscious agency.
Why Did Bushnell Take This Tragic Stand?
With Mossad seemingly uninvolved, the painful question remains – why did Aaron Bushnell choose to end his life in such a horrifying manner outside the Israeli embassy?
Potential clues may lie in his protest cry of “Free Palestine!” But Bushnell’s family and friends have not yet elaborated on his specific views or motives.
The Air Force has revealed little about Bushnell’s background and political leanings. He was a 25-year-old active duty airman stationed at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas. But his reasons for travelling to D.C. and staging his desperate protest remain shrouded in mystery.
Talia Jane, a journalist claiming to have spoken with Bushnell’s loved ones, said he was passionate about Palestinian rights. The Gaza Strip has been under Israeli blockade since 2007 after the Palestinian militant group Hamas took control of the area.
Perhaps Bushnell wished to draw global attention to Palestinian suffering in Gaza, even at the cost of his own life? More details will hopefully emerge as the DC investigation progresses.
Mossad May Be Staying Silent – But Questions Remain
While the alleged Mossad celebration of Bushnell’s death was clearly fabricated, Israel is not above reproach. The horrific affair has still raised troubling questions about relations between the two allies.
Why did Bushnell, a young American airman, feel the need to make this disturbing protest against Israeli policy? What drove him to such an awful act of self-destruction?
Pro-Palestinian sentiment and criticism of Israel’s conduct is growing within the Democratic Party that currently controls Congress and the White House. Younger generations of Americans appear more sympathetic to the Palestinian cause.
The U.S. gives over $3 billion in annual military aid to Israel, its largest recipient of assistance globally. Yet here was one of America’s own servicemen, horrifically killing himself in opposition to Israeli actions.
Mossad may be silent on Bushnell’s demise, but searing questions remain for the Israeli government. American politicians may soon start demanding some answers from Tel Aviv too.
Suicide Is Never the Answer
While scrutiny rightly falls on Mossad and Israel over this incident, it is vital to remember that Aaron Bushnell was the tragic victim of a preventable suicide.
Whatever one’s views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, there are always alternatives to taking one’s own life. Bushnell’s loved ones are now forever bereaved by his terrible choice.
If you or anyone you know is contemplating suicide, confidential support is available 24/7 from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or contacting 988lifeline.org.
There are always people ready to listen without judgement and help you find a way forward. Aaron Bushnell’s devastating death outside the Israeli embassy should remind us all that every life is precious and no cause is worth such an awful sacrifice.
While the truth behind his motivations and Mossad’s response may remain murky, we must refrain from glorifying Bushnell’s suicide. The tragic loss of any human life should give us pause. May he rest in peace.
