‘In America, it’s viewed as too extreme’: self-immolation as protest – and sacrifice

The death of Aaron Bushnell has prompted much debate about the significance and impact of this particular form of protest

When Aaron Bushnell set himself on fire outside the Pentagon in Washington last weekend, in protest against the situation in Palestine, he became an international story.

An active-duty member of the US air force, Bushnell livestreamed his death, from the moment he said he would no longer be complicit in genocide" to the moment he poured fluid over himself and burst into flames.

In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org