Republican congressional lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, replaced three American flags in Washington, DC, Wednesday night that were desecrated earlier in the day by anti-Israel agitators.
Rep. Brandon Williams (R-NY) said he was driving by DC’s Union Station, just blocks from the US Capitol Building, when he noticed the bare flagpoles outside the historic train station and decided to do something about it.
“Our flag had not been restored,” Williams said in a video posted on X.
“I recruited a number of fellow members of Congress, including the speaker and a bunch of Navy vets, Marine vets, and we came, brought three flags with us, and you’ll see better later, but we have restored the flags to their proper place,” the New York Republican added.
Johnson (R-La.) and Reps. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) and Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) were among the lawmakers that assisted in the effort.
The flags were burned by Hamas-sympathizing agitators during a violent demonstration that took place as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Congress.
The protesters hoisted up Palestinian flags after incinerating the Stars and Stripes. At least one Hamas flag was spotted in the crowd.
“Tonight, we righted their wrong,” Johnson wrote on X.
“American flags are once again flying over Union Station,” the House speaker added. “We will not let the terrorist mob win.”
Crenshaw noted that it was rather tricky getting the flags back up on the poles because of the damage caused by the anti-Israel mob.
“Took a while to get it done because the Hamas supporters broke the connections, but DC police helped us out and got us zip ties,” the Texas Republican tweeted.
Before the group of patriotic lawmakers departed, they lined up to say the Pledge of Allegiance before the newly installed banners.
“Anti-American agitators will not have the last say,” Williams said. “We’ve restored the flags burned at Union Station and will continue to stand for this great nation, come what may.”