Anarchists Burn American Flag In Protest Of Police, Bikers Respond With Violence, Police Step In To Save Protesters
A group of anarchists organized an event to burn the American flag in a protest against the New York Police Department on July 1st. Approximately a few dozen members of the group Disarm NYPD attended the protest. Police were in attendance to ensure order was maintained while the protest was underway. Members of the Hallowed Sons Motorcycle Club caught wind of the protest on social media and decided to show up and stop the flag burning; by force if necessary. In a striking turn of events, the anarchists were rescued from the bikers’ assault by the very police they were protesting.
According to the New York Post, burning a flag openly is a crime in New York. However, the anarchists discovered a loophole that allowed them to cook the flag inside of a barbecue grill, making all aspects of their flag burning protest legal. Police were present to maintain order in case violence or illegal activity broke out and to maintain peace among the protesters and counter-protesters.
Despite the legality of the protest, members of the Hallowed Sons Motorcycle Club were furious at the disrespect for the American flag and decided to step in and show the anarchists that they would not allow the act to take place on their watch. One biker kicked the grill over before the flag could burn fully and doused the flames. The pro-flag rally that took place alongside the anarchists chanted “U.S.A.” repeatedly as other bikers began to rough up the anarchists.
As chaos broke out, the police stepped in to save the anarchists from harm, escorting them out of the park as they kept the bikers at bay, according to CBS Local New York.
One biker mocked the anarchists and the ironic turn of events that led the very police they protests to save them from harm.
“They took off like little b—hes. They lit the f–king flag and took off running once they got slapped once or twice.”
Brian Christopher, a counter-protester, explained his actions with reference to his time in the Marines.
“I served in the Marines. We defend this flag. We are ready to die for it. When I see people burning it and showing complete ignorance, it’s very offensive.”
Despite the assault against the anarchists, neither side of the protest saw any arrests.
In response to why they deemed it necessary to burn the American flag, members from Disarm NYPD stated it was an act against oppression.
“We maintain, unwaveringly, that both the Confederate flag, and the American flag are symbols of oppression.”
[Photo Via YouTube Screencap]
