ALBAWABA - According to social media, Matt Nelson self-immolated in Boston. U.S. authorities have not commented. Nelson apparently burned himself after posting a video condemning the "genocide in Gaza." The lack of U.S. government declarations and national media coverage has drawn criticism.
Social media users say the incident is being repressed despite authorities citing an ongoing investigation and not revealing the individual's identify.
On September 11, a YouTube video featuring "Matt Nelson." was extensively circulated by pro-Palestinian accounts. Nelson said in the video, "I'm Matt Nelson, and I'm going to protest extremely. We all contribute to Gaza's slaughter." He then criticized the U.S. government's military expenditures and urged viewers to lobby Congress to withdraw backing for Israel's Gaza operations.
Democracy should serve the people, not the rich. Reclaim power. In the 58-second video, Nelson proclaimed Palestine freedom.
Some local media stations published surveillance video of a person burning themself on fire, but no information or reason were provided. The Boston Police Department verified the occurrence but declined to comment.
Social media faults 'cover-up'
Anadolu Agency (AA) correspondents asked the Boston Police Department and Suffolk County District Attorney's Office whether the video's subject was the same. Both refused to speak due to the inquiry.
Although authorities have not confirmed the video, social media users have shared it and expressed indignation at the lack of national media coverage. Blakeley, an X user, noted that only local NBC10 reported the event, and "the report failed to mention why or where Nelson set himself on fire." Added, "This is another attempt to cover up Israel's genocide."
Axel Folio, an X user, "Journalists are trying to cover up the news by reporting that an unidentified man set himself on fire in front of Boston's Four Seasons Hotel, rather than mentioning Matt Nelson's act in front of the Israeli consulate."
Another X user, Ariane Jasmine, said, "The media isn't doing its job, so people like me are forced to inform you through these platforms."
The Boston Police Department told AA that a person lit himself on fire near the Israeli embassy on September 11 at 8:10 p.m. local time and was brought to Massachusetts General Hospital with serious injuries.
