Man Tries to Rescue American Flag Burning Near DNC

Pro-Palestinian protesters in Chicago were seen attempting to burn an American flag on Tuesday evening, before a man stepped in to try and stop them. Hundreds marched in the city’s downtown as the second night of the Democratic National Convention was underway a few miles away. After starting at the Israeli Consulate, protesters calling for
Man Tries to Rescue American Flag Burning Near DNC

Pro-Palestinian protesters in Chicago were seen attempting to burn an American flag on Tuesday evening, before a man stepped in to try and stop them.

Hundreds marched in the city’s downtown as the second night of the Democratic National Convention was underway a few miles away. After starting at the Israeli Consulate, protesters calling for the U.S. to withdraw its support for Israel in the war in Gaza moved through the streets.

A mixed Israel-American flag was thrown onto the street and set on fire. As it burned, someone threw an American flag on top of it.

In a video Brendan Gutenschwager posted on X, formerly Twitter, a man is seen trying to grab the American flag. Protesters then shoved him away

“Don’t burn the American flag,” the man said. “It’s our country… You guys are the enemy.”

Protesters burn a flag near the Israeli Consulate during the Democratic National Convention Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, in Chicago. A man tried to stop them from doing it, but ended up walking away. AP Photo/Alex Brandon

A protester then is heard screaming, “burn it down.” After the man walked away, the protesters lit the flag on fire.

“This is what we think of your f—-ing flag,” one person said as the flag burned. “The only acceptable American flag is one that is burned to char.”

The man who stepped in was independent journalist Ben Bergquam, who posted to X saying he could not sit back and watch the flag be burned.

The protests outside the DNC over the Israel-Gaza war have escalated and police have had to install additional security fences early Tuesday after demonstrators breached an outer fence. Protests outside the Israeli Consulate turned violent on Tuesday with protesters clashing with police. Thirteen people were arrested on Monday night and at least one person appeared to be detained by police on Tuesday night, according to CNN.

Monday’s charges range from criminal trespass to aggravated battery of police officers. Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling defended the department’s handling of protests and said police officers “responded perfectly.” He added that the department has “bodycam footage to prove it.”

“We have no idea what they would have done had they gotten onto the other side. But as I’ve said before, we’re not going to tolerate anyone who is going to vandalize things in our city. We are not going to tolerate anyone who (is) going to commit acts of violence,” Snelling said, according to CNN.

The DNC hosted its first Palestinian panel on Monday and President Joe Biden said protesters have “a point” during his Monday address because “a lot of innocent people are being killed on both sides.”

Update 08/20/2024 10:31 p.m.: This article has been updated with more information.

Total
0
Shares
Leave a Reply
Related Posts
Met Police say they have NOT arrested Tommy Robinson after supporters claimed he was detained under anti-terror laws
Read More

Met Police say they have NOT arrested Tommy Robinson after supporters claimed he was detained under anti-terror laws

The Metropolitan Police have denied arresting Tommy Robinson after his supporters claimed he had been taken into custody under counter-terrorism laws. A post on the former English Defence League leader's verified social media accounts claimed that he had been detained by the police at some point today.  However, the Met said it 'does not recognise'
Brother and sister win Olympic gold medals just minutes apart during ‘Super Saturday’ as team GB adds to medal haul with awards in the equestrian, rowing and athletics
Read More

Brother and sister win Olympic gold medals just minutes apart during ‘Super Saturday’ as team GB adds to medal haul with awards in the equestrian, rowing and athletics

A brother and sister won Olympic medals within minutes of each other yesterday on a ‘Super Saturday’ for Team GB. During a sensational day at the Games, Britain’s Olympians cemented their position in the top five with six more medals to add to their haul. The rush began early as Emily Ford took bronze in