CBS Journalist Sam Mena Jr. Protests Media's Misinformation with Self-Immolation Stunt

A CBS News photojournalist, Sam Mena Jr., set himself on fire near the White House during a pro-Palestinian rally, protesting against what he perceived as media misinformation on Israel's war in Gaza. He screamed "I am a journalist. We spread the misinformation" while engaging in the self-immolation act.

The recent protests against the ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Palestine took an unprecedented turn when a US Air Force member set himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in Washington D.C. on February 25, 2024 [1]. The incident, which left the individual in critical condition, occurred around 1 p.m. ET, and both the U.S. Secret Service and Metropolitan Police Department responded to the scene [1].

The embassy issued a statement to CBS News, confirming that no staff members were injured in the incident, but they did not identify the man responsible [1]. MPD also investigated a "suspicious vehicle" at the scene, which was later cleared around 4 p.m. [1].

Prior to setting himself on fire, the man, who identified himself as an active-duty US Air Force member on a live stream on Twitch, expressed his intention to "no longer be complicit in genocide" and that he was "about to engage in an extreme act of protest" [2]. After setting himself alight, he repeatedly yelled "free Palestine" [2].

The motivation behind the man's actions remains unclear. The US Air Force confirmed an active-duty airman was involved but did not release his identity [1]. Neither the U.S. Secret Service nor MPD has identified the man or provided any information on a possible reason for his actions.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the passion and intensity surrounding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. The consequences of such actions, however, are far-reaching and often unpredictable.

References:

[1] Freiman, J. (2024, February 25). Active-duty US Air Force member sets self on fire outside Israeli embassy in DC. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israeli-embassy-air-force-member-sets-himself-on-fire/

[2] CNN. (2024, February 25). US Air Force member sets self on fire outside Israeli embassy in Washington. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/25/politics/man-sets-himself-on-fire-israeli-embassy-washington-dc/index.html