Between the Bucks game, theater, the GOP debate and various political demonstrations, Downtown Milwaukee was buzzing with activity last night. In the case of one demonstration, a protestor attempted to burn an American flag, but what happened after became the big story.
According to the Milwaukee Police Department Facebook page, Officers Joel Rossman, Jedidiah Thompson and Jutiki X quickly put out the fire with an extinguisher and ceremonially folded the flag (according to MPD's Facebook and Twitter feeds, the smoke and clouds from the extinguisher led to false reports of teargas being used during the evening).
.@MilwaukeePolice restore honor to American flag torn and burned by protester earlier this evening. pic.twitter.com/pXB8bEt7Ao
— Milwaukee Police (@MilwaukeePolice) November 11, 2015
American flag torn and burned by protester ceremoniously folded by @MilwaukeePolice. pic.twitter.com/1NGi3jG1TU
— Milwaukee Police (@MilwaukeePolice) November 11, 2015
The officers' actions and the resulting video took off on social media throughout Tuesday night and Wednesday.
Burning the American flag is protected under the First Amendment. But it's still a morally bankrupt and repugnant act. Kudos to MPD tonight.
— Doug Russell (@DougRussell) November 11, 2015
Thank You #MPD for honoring our flag & country https://t.co/3bWqyHJRYr
— Chief Kass (@browndeerchief) November 11, 2015
@MilwaukeePolice Thank you for showing the respect our Flag deserves - especially before Veteran's Day. This veterans appreciates MPD.
— Jim Sideras (@JimSideras) November 11, 2015
According to a Fox 6 report, Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn discussed the incident at a Veterans Day ceremony earlier today, noting the flag was placed in inventory as evidence in the case charges are filed and that the individual responsible for the act – one previously arrested for arson – had been identified by authorities.
