World News

A climate activist set himself on fire before the Supreme Court on Earth Day

Win Bruce, a photojournalist and Buddhist, set himself on fire on the steps of Washington’s Supreme Court Square after posting mysterious comments on social media alluding to a fire the same day years ago.

A 50-year-old man from Boulder, Colorado, was airlifted to a hospital, where police said he died Saturday from his injuries.

Friends say the act was not a suicide but a “fearless act of compassion to draw attention to the climate crisis”, but Supreme Court police said they were still investigating the man’s motive.

He caused a fatal fire in the square in front of the Supreme Court building around 6.30pm on Friday – known as Earth Day

The Supreme Court of the United States

/ Getty Images

No one else was injured in the accident.

A Buddhist priest from Boulder said he knew Bruce and said he had been planning his death for at least a year.

“This man was my friend. He meditated with our sangha [Buddhist community]”, Writes Dr. K. Critee.

“This act is not suicide. It is a deeply fearless act of compassion to draw attention to the climate crisis. We are gathering information, but he has been planning it for at least a year. “

This theory was supported by an ominous comment on Facebook left by Mr. Bruce in 2020, including a fiery emoji and the date of his death, April 22, 2022.

Facebook

Neighbors told Denver7 they weren’t sure how Bruce got to Washington because he couldn’t drive. They said a childhood accident left Mr Bruce with an injured leg and head injuries

Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22 and is a reminder of environmental protection, restoration of damaged ecosystems and more sustainable living.