Veteran arrested for unauthorized fire after burning US flag near White House to protest Trump order

WASHINGTON, DC: A man was arrested near the White House for setting an American flag on fire after President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Justice to prosecute acts of flag "desecration".

The Secret Service confirmed the arrest in a statement to Newsweek, and stated that the suspect was detained in Lafayette Park for "igniting an object" at around 6:15 pm EDT on Monday, August 25.

Man detained for burning US flag near White House

A clip went viral on social media showing a man in Lafayette Park outside the White House speaking to passersby before setting the US flag on fire, which was soaked in some kind of accelerant.

The man identified himself as Dave Perry, a 20-year combat veteran, and said he was protesting to defend the right to burn the flag under the First Amendment.

He said, "I fought for every single one of your rights to express yourself in however you feel that you may want to express yourself. It is a First Amendment right to burn the American flag."

Moreover, the man added that no president, or anyone else, can make a law that infringes on First Amendment rights.

"We burn this flag in protest to that president who feels that it's his right to do whatever he wants, make whatever law he wants, regardless if it's legal or illegal," the person added.

Soon after, another clip went viral on social media showing the combat veteran getting arrested.

The Secret Service confirmed the arrest and stated, "On August 25 at approximately 6:15 PM, the US Secret Service detained an individual in Lafayette Park for igniting an object. The individual was subsequently turned over to US Park Police as they have jurisdiction. We'd refer you to US Park Police for any charges or additional questions."

Moreover, the Park Police confirmed to Newsweek that the individual was arrested, saying, "At about 6:30 PM, the United States Park Police arrested one person in Lafayette Park for a violation of 36 CFR 2.13(a)(1), prohibited fire. All units have cleared the scene."

Trump declares burning the flag is an open door to violence

Earlier in the day, President Trump acknowledged that while burning the flag was protected by the court, doing so was an open door to violence.

The POTUS said, "When you burn the American flag, it incites riots at levels that we've never seen before."

Interestingly, the order mentions that those who burn an American flag, whether in the US or other countries, will be subject to prosecution and penalties.

Moreover, penalties were laid out in the executive order, including those for non-citizens that could range from the revocation of visas or immigration benefits, and even the possibility of removal from the country.

After the flag-burning incident, White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers informed Newsweek that "President Trump will not allow the American Flag—a special symbol of our country's greatness—to be used as a tool to incite violence and riots that jeopardize the safety of everyday Americans."

The POTUS said while signing the executive order, "They burn the American flag. They call it freedom of speech. When you burn a flag, the area goes crazy. If you have hundreds of people, they go crazy. You can do other things…but when you burn the American flag, it incites riots at levels we've never seen before."

Internet reacts to man's arrest for burning US flag

Several internet users shared their reactions as a man was arrested near the White House for setting an American flag on fire after Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the DOJ to prosecute acts of flag "desecration".

A user wrote on X, "Straight to jail for one year. Imagine explaining that to your family," while one added, "Perfect. One year in jail."

A person also stated, "I guess he hadn’t heard the latest? Go to jail!" whereas one mentioned, "Enjoy the next year in jail, traitor."

A user also wrote, "This dude is doing this for clouts and fame, complete loser," while one commented, "Jail them all. They will learn."

A person also mentioned, "I guess he just cashed in his veteran's card. He is now a traitor," whereas one added, "You just won a one year jail sentence."

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