David (00:00):
There is late word tonight, President Biden saying late today that there is now hope for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas within days, by next Monday. It comes amid a horrific scene outside the Israeli embassy in Washington, DC, a US airman setting himself on fire. Here's Pierre Thomas.
Pierre Thomas (00:17): Tonight, in a rare and horrifying act of protest reminiscent of the days of the Vietnam War, an active duty US airman setting himself on fire over the growing death toll in Gaza.
Speaker 3 (00:29): This call, we just got a man on fire.
Pierre Thomas (00:31): That man, identified as 25-year-old Aaron Bushnell from San Antonio, live-streaming himself Sunday outside of the gates of the Israeli embassy in Washington. Because of its explicit nature, ABC News is not showing the actual video. In it, Bushnell says, "I will no longer be complicit in genocide. I'm about to engage in an extreme act of protest." Moments later, Bushnell puts his phone down, pours a liquid over his head, and lights himself afire. Screaming, "Free Palestine," he falls to the ground, engulfed in flames. First responders using fire extinguishers to douse the flames, but it was too late. Bushnell later died. The stunning scene in Washington coming amid chaotic scenes in Gaza. A massive crowd swarming this beach, desperate for food and supplies, airdropped by Jordan.
David (01:28): Just extraordinary images today. Let's bring in Pierre live in Washington this night. Pierre, I wanted to get back to what the President said late today. In fact, just before we came on the air tonight, President Biden now saying that he is hopeful for a ceasefire in Gaza within days.
Pierre Thomas (01:41): David, just a short time ago, the president said he's hoping a ceasefire deal will be in place by next Monday, Israel now agreeing to the framework for a six-week ceasefire in exchange for dozens of hostages, including Americans. But David, no response yet from Hamas.
David (01:58): Pierre Thomas in Washington. Thank you, Pierre.