Overview
Several House Republicans reinstated American flags at Union Station in Washington, D.C., after they were torn down and burned by “pro-Hamas protesters.” This act of vandalism was condemned by lawmakers, who emphasized the importance of upholding American values and resisting acts of terrorism.
Why It Matters
This incident underscores the ongoing tensions and the need for strong national unity in the face of actions that undermine American values and support terrorism.
Who It Impacts
This impacts U.S. citizens, especially those concerned about national security and the preservation of American symbols and values.
Several House Republicans took swift action to replace the American flags at Union Station in Washington, D.C., after they were torn down and burned by protesters on Wednesday. These demonstrators, identified as “pro-Hamas protesters,” replaced the American flags with Palestinian flags while chanting “Allahu Akbar.” The response from lawmakers was immediate and decisive.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) posted on X, “Earlier today, pro-Hamas protesters took down the American flags at Union Station, burned them and raised Palestinian flags. Tonight, we righted their wrong. American flags are once again flying over Union Station. We will not let the terrorist mob win.” Johnson was joined by multiple Republican members of Congress, including U.S. military veterans like Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), and Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX).
Dan Crenshaw also shared his account of the event on X, stating, “We raised the flags back up. Earlier today, terrorist sympathizers tore down the American flags at Union Station, burned them, and raised the Palestinian flag in its place. After votes tonight, a group of members, including many veterans and the Speaker of the House, took our flag back and raised it.” He mentioned the practical challenges they faced, adding, “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.”
Rep. Derrick Van Orden expressed his outrage on X, “Tearing down and burning the American flag in the name of Hamas is disgusting and reprehensible. These terrorist sympathizers will not win. The American flag will fly again.”
???? Speaker Johnson and a group of House Republicans led by @RepWilliams say the Pledge of Allegiance after replacing the American flags that were taken down by those protesting Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit to Capitol Hill pic.twitter.com/lvwm0SMBoS
— Ryan Schmelz (@RyanSchmelzFOX) July 25, 2024
The protests were sparked by a speech from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who addressed the House of Representatives, thanking lawmakers for their ongoing support of Israel. Netanyahu pointed to the U.S. Director of National Intelligence’s report, indicating that Iran is funding and promoting anti-Israel protests in America. He criticized the protesters, calling them “Iran’s useful idiots” for supporting a regime that commits egregious human rights abuses, including hanging gays and murdering women for not covering their hair.
Netanyahu mocked the protesters’ ignorance, highlighting signs like “Gays for Gaza” and the chant “From the river to the sea,” suggesting they were unaware of the historical and geographical context of their slogans. “They might as well hold up signs saying, ‘Chickens for KFC.’ These protesters chant, ‘From the river to the sea,’ but many don’t have a clue what river and what sea they’re talking about. They not only get an F in geography, they get an F in history,” Netanyahu remarked.
The swift replacement of the flags by Republican lawmakers serves as a powerful statement of resilience and patriotism, reinforcing the message that acts of vandalism and support for terrorism will not be tolerated.
