A man claiming to be a combat veteran has been arrested for burning a US flag in protest of a recent executive order issued by President Donald Trump.
A man claiming to be a 20-year combat veteran was arrested near the White House after burning a U.S. flag in protest of President Donald Trump’s newly signed executive order targeting flag desecration.
The incident took place in Lafayette Park shortly after Trump directed the Justice Department to pursue legal action against individuals who burn the flag—despite Supreme Court rulings affirming such acts as constitutionally protected under the First Amendment.
“I’m burning this flag as a protest to that illegal fascist president that sits in that house,” the man shouted into a bullhorn, adding, “It’s our First Amendment right to burn this flag regardless of what the president says.” Video footage showed him igniting the flag after it had been doused in accelerant.
Secret Service agents quickly extinguished the small fire and detained him. The U.S. Park Police confirmed the arrest, citing regulations prohibiting unpermitted fires in public parks. No injuries were reported.
