Samuel Mena Jr., a journalist, set his arm on fire during a pro-Palestinian protest outside the White House.
The chaotic scene unfolded in Lafayette Park, where bystanders and police rushed to extinguish the flames.
Mena sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
Mena’s Motivations and Statements
Mena had hinted at his intentions earlier on social media, expressing his solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
He tweeted about the protest, declaring, “End settler colonialism,” and mentioned livestreaming from the protest.
After being extinguished, Mena shouted, “I’m a journalist, and I said it was OK,” reflecting frustration with media coverage of the Gaza conflict.
Broader Context
This incident occurred amid ongoing protests in Washington, DC, demanding a ceasefire in Gaza.
Mena’s self-immolation echoes a previous incident where a former U.S. Air Force member died after a similar act.
Police reiterated their support for peaceful protests but warned against criminal acts.
