Conservative journo Nick Sortor hailed as 'patriot' for saving US flag from burning in Portland

PORTLAND, OREGON: Conservative journalist Nick Sortor was praised online by people as a viral video showed him saving the American flag from fire amid a protest in Portland.

The conservative journalist was taken into custody in Portland during another night of chaotic protests outside a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility on Thursday, October 2.

Nick Sortor protects America's glory amid riot in Portland

The video, which was shared by Nick Sortor on X, showed the conservative journalist wearing a grey hoodie and snatching a lit American flag from an anti-ICE rioter.

The clip then showed him trying to extinguish the fire by putting the flag on the ground and stamping it. The video ends by showing him taking the flag away from the rioters.

Sharing the clip on X, Sortor wrote, "BREAKING: Following my recovery of the American flag being burned in Portland yesterday, President Trump just announced that from this point forward anybody burning the flag will be subject to ONE YEAR in prison."

He added, "'You will be IMMEDIATELY arrested. Thank you for your attention to this matter!'"

The video also had a Truth Social post by President Donald Trump that read, "To ICE, Border Patrol, Law Enforcement, and all US Military: As per my August 25, 2025, Executive Order, please be advised that, from this point forward, anybody burning the American flag will be subject to one year in prison. You will be immediately arrested. Thank you for your attention to this matter."

Meanwhile, the US Department of Justice says it will launch a wide-scale probe of the Portland Police Bureau following the arrest of Sortor.

Just hours after he was released from the downtown Portland jail, Nick Sortor hailed the first news of the "full investigation".

Sortor posted on X that US Attorney General Pam Bondi had personally called him to deliver news of the investigation.

Moreover, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the arrest "extremely troubling", and claimed that Sortor was "ambushed by Antifa and was defending himself."

Meanwhile, Sortor said the investigation will be led by Harmeet K Dhillon, who is serving as assistant attorney general for civil rights.

Internet praises Nick Sortor for saving US flag from fire

Several internet users praised Nick Sortor as he saved the American flag from fire amid the ongoing protest in Portland.

A user wrote on X, "Patriot. You’re a great American, Nick " while one added, "Good. It’s about time people who burn the US flag face legal consequences!"

A person also stated, "HELL YEAH! I seem to recall an EO recently signed that would hold flag desecration to account. Last night just expedited that. LFG!" Whereas one mentioned, "This was the moment Nick realized he had to rush in & save it. That's called PATRIOTISM, folks."

A user also wrote, "Great news!!! You never burn your country flag," while one commented, "About time someone takes a stand for the flag. Disrespect has consequences."

A person also added, "Great job, they should be respectful for the nation who is giving them an identity."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online