SAN ANTONIO — We are learning more about a San Antonio airman who died after lighting himself on fire outside of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C.
On Friday, hundreds gathered at San Pedro Springs Park to honor Aaron Bushnell, 25, and the thousands of people killed in the Israel-Hamas war.
The U.S. Air Force confirmed Bushnell was a cyber defense operations specialist at Lackland Air Force Base. Bushnell moved from Massachusetts to San Antonio in 2020 for basic training.
“As his friend, I am still grappling with what he did,” said a tearful speaker during the vigil.
Those who said they met Bushnell through nonprofit work called his death ‘tragic,’ but said they support his message.
According to friends, Bushnell often volunteered to help those experiencing homelessness. They described him as ‘kind’ and ‘compassionate.’
“That’s what Aaron understood,” said another friend. “We cannot be a collective community that cares for each other unless we really model that.”
The Gaza Health Ministry reports about 30,000 people had been killed in Gaza since the start of the war; most of them were women and children.
“We don’t know how many are under the rubble or how many have disappeared that cannot be counted,” said Nephtali De Leon. “In 146 days, that is the worst atrocity that any human being can bring upon another set of human beings.”
Pro-Palestinian groups are once again calling on the City of San Antonio and the Biden administration to back a cease-fire.
---
Learn more about KENS 5:
Since going on the air in 1950, KENS 5 has strived to be the best, most trusted news and entertainment source for generations of San Antonians.
KENS 5 has brought numerous firsts to South Texas television, including being the first local station with a helicopter, the first with its own Doppler radar and the first to air a local morning news program.
Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers' homes. We're proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today.
Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community.
You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, KENS 5's Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more!
Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members.