A shocking moment unfolded near the White House on Saturday when a protestor, Samuel Mena Jr., attempted to self-immolate during a Pro-Palestinian rally at D.C.'s Lafayette Park, an incident that occurred in front of a large gathering of demonstrators, as Mena set his arm on fire in a distressing act of protest.

The event, which was captured on video as taking place near the White House, drew attention to Mena's frustrations over supposed misinformation and issues with journalistic objectivity related to the Gaza war, as the Daily Mail reports.

Mena, a journalist, and photojournalist for AZFamily Channels 3 and 5, attended the rally, which took place just days before the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel. As tensions remain high over the ongoing Gaza conflict, Mena's actions stood out in a crowd of demonstrators expressing their support for Palestine.

Samuel Mena Jr. Sets Arm on Fire

During the rally, Mena was seen attempting to set himself on fire, and his arm caught into flames in a matter of seconds. Protestors around him, shocked by the situation, quickly intervened and rushed to pour water on him in an attempt to extinguish the flames. Bystanders and police officers nearby cautiously approached Mena, with law enforcement urging others to "back it up!" as they secured the scene.

Videos recorded immediately after the fire was put out showed Mena screaming in pain. His arm, severely burned, had turned white from the intense heat. As he writhed in agony, Mena shouted about "misinformation," signaling his deep frustration with the media's portrayal of the Gaza war.

Mena's Background as Journalist

Mena is a graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University, and his professional work has largely focused on photography and journalism. His social media profile prominently features a picture of him in front of the Palestinian flag, with the slogan "from the river, to the sea," a common phrase among Pro-Palestinian activists. He has also been involved in various media projects and is employed by AZFamily Channels 3 and 5.

Mena's motivations for the protest appeared to be tied to his beliefs about journalistic responsibility and objectivity. Prior to the rally, he had posted an essay on his website, discussing his views on how media outlets were covering the conflict between Israel and Palestine. In the essay, Mena highlighted what he saw as a failure of journalism to present an objective view of the war.

Police Intervene After Incident

After the fire was extinguished, Mena remained surrounded by police officers. His condition was visibly concerning, with severe burns on his arm. Despite his injuries, Mena appeared defiant and continued to assert his stance on journalistic integrity. "I'm a journalist, and I said it was okay," he wailed as law enforcement tried to contain the situation.

The response from law enforcement was cautious but swift. Officers, concerned for Mena's safety and the surrounding crowd, worked to secure the area while continuing to monitor the unfolding scene. The protest, which had been largely peaceful up until that point, was momentarily disrupted by the intense nature of Mena's actions.

Prior Social Media Posts Hint at Mena's Plan

Leading up to the rally, Mena had posted on his X.com profile and Instagram, hinting at his plans to stage a dramatic protest. In one post, he wrote "End settler colonialism," a phrase often associated with anti-Israel sentiments. He had also planned to stream the event live from Instagram, though it is unclear whether his live stream captured the moment of his self-immolation attempt.

Mena's act occurred against the backdrop of ongoing protests and rallies regarding the Gaza war. Pro-Palestinian groups have gathered in various cities across the United States, including Washington, D.C., to protest Israel's military actions and call for an end to the conflict. Mena's protest, however, took a more extreme turn, with his self-immolation attempt sparking widespread concern among those present.

Frustration with "Misinformation"

In the aftermath of the incident, Mena's primary message seemed to center around what he called "misinformation" in media coverage. His reference to journalistic objectivity points to his frustration with how the Gaza conflict has been portrayed by various outlets. The specific misinformation he was referring to remains unclear, but his essay and social media posts suggest it relates to his belief in biased reporting on the ongoing war.

Mena's actions also bring attention to the broader issue of journalistic ethics, especially in the context of high-stakes international conflicts. His protest, while extreme, may serve as a reflection of the deep division and anger felt by some regarding the media's role in shaping public opinion on matters as contentious as the Gaza war.

Broader Impact of Protest

The self-immolation attempt has raised questions about the safety of protests and the lengths individuals are willing to go to in order to make their voices heard. While it remains to be seen what legal or medical action will follow for Mena, his protest has already garnered attention online, with footage of the incident being widely shared.

It also underscores the intensity of feelings surrounding the Gaza conflict, with many activists continuing to organize demonstrations, marches, and rallies in support of Palestinian rights.

Conclusion

In summary, Samuel Mena Jr.'s attempt to self-immolate during a Pro-Palestinian rally near the White House shocked many and highlighted his frustrations with what he called "misinformation" in journalism.

A graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, Mena’s protest was rooted in his belief that media coverage of the Gaza war lacked objectivity.

While bystanders and police intervened to extinguish the flames, Mena’s message reverberated through the crowd, drawing attention to the larger debate over the role of media in international conflicts.