A group of House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson and Rep. Brandon Williams, raised three American flags at Union Station in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night to replace the flags that had been taken down and burned earlier in the day by protesters. These protesters were demonstrating against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to Congress.
Hamas supporters clashed with U.S. Park Police at Union Station, who were outnumbered as they attempted to protect the flags and make arrests. Despite their efforts, some flags were burned as the officers were forced to retreat.
Videos and images shared on social media documented the chaos. Protesters were seen attacking the police, throwing an officer to the ground, and later burning an American flag while chanting “Allahu akbar.” A man attempted to rescue a burning flag but was chased away by the crowd.
In response to the incident, the protesters raised the Palestinian flag over Union Station, located near the Capitol. Later that evening, House Republicans went to Union Station to replace the American flags. Speaker Johnson posted a message stating, “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.”
Rep. Brandon Williams added, “Anti-American agitators will not have the last say. We’ve restored the flags burned at Union Station and will continue to stand for this great nation, come what may.” He mentioned that he got the idea to replace the flags after seeing the bare flagpoles while on his way to vote in the House.
The group of lawmakers recited the Pledge of Allegiance after raising the flags, as documented in a video posted by Fox News reporter Ryan Schmelz. Rep. Dan Crenshaw noted that police had provided zip ties to secure the flags due to the damage caused by the protesters.