WASHINGTON, D.C. — August 29, 2025. An Army veteran ignited an American flag outside the White House Wednesday afternoon, staging a fiery protest against a controversial executive order signed earlier that morning by former President Donald Trump.
The veteran, identified by witnesses as Michael Anders, who served in Iraq, reportedly carried the flag himself before setting it ablaze on Pennsylvania Avenue. His act drew immediate attention from passersby, law enforcement, and media crews stationed nearby.
“This flag doesn’t stand for freedom anymore. It stands for oppression and division,” Anders was heard saying as flames consumed the cloth.
Civil liberties advocates on the scene defended his actions. Linda Booker, a constitutional rights attorney, told reporters:
“While I personally wouldn’t burn the flag, Anders is exercising his constitutional right to protest a government action. That’s exactly what the First Amendment protects.”
U.S. Park Police quickly extinguished the flames and detained Anders. Officials later confirmed he was cited for demonstration without a permit but released shortly afterward. Authorities described the act as “provocative,” while emphasizing that flag burning itself is protected symbolic speech under federal law.
The executive order in question, signed by Trump earlier in the day, has not yet been detailed publicly but has already drawn sharp criticism from advocacy groups. Protesters across the capital voiced concerns over potential impacts on civil liberties and government accountability.
As debate intensifies, the incident has reignited long-standing tensions around patriotism, national symbols, and the limits of protest. Legal experts expect the case to spark further discussion on free speech boundaries in the coming weeks.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!