Aaron Bushnell, a member of the US air force, set himself on fire in front of the Israeli embassy in Washington, DC, in an act of political protest over Israel’s war in Gaza. Bushnell livestreamed his death, saying he no longer wanted to be complicit in genocide. Two years later, how did his message resonate?

This is a story from the archives. This originally aired on February 28, 2024. None of the dates, titles or other references from that time have been changed.

In this episode:

Talia Jane (@taliaotg), Independent Journalist
Lupe Barboza, Friend of Aaron Bushnell
Archana Kaku, Assistant Professor, The College of William & Mary

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Tamara Khandaker. It was originally produced by Sonia Bhagat, Ashish Malhotra, Chloe K. Li, and our host Malika Bilal.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Andrew Greiner is lead of audience engagement.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer.

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Aaron Bushnell, Gaza and the meaning of ‘no longer complicit’

The Take

Aaron Bushnell, Gaza and the meaning of ‘no longer complicit’