Several politicians praised University of North Carolina (UNC) Chapel Hill students for defending the Star-Spangled Banner from anti-Israel protesters.
UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Lee H. Roberts was seen returning the Stars and Stripes to the top of the flagpole after pro-Palestinian demonstrators took it down and replaced it with the Palestinian flag.
After Roberts left, pro-Palestinian protesters began attempting to remove the flag again, and a group of students reportedly moved to lift the flag from the ground and protect it from the protesters.
One student, Guillermo Estrada, wrote: post At X, he said he was “immediately disturbed” when he saw the Palestinian flag flying atop the flagpole.
“Today was a sad but empowering day in Chapel Hill. As I walked to class, I saw a Palestinian flag on a four-flag pole, and I was shocked to hear about these ‘protesters.’ I was immediately outraged by the act,” Estrada wrote. “I can’t claim to be well-informed about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but I was outraged that my country’s flag was disrespected in defense of another conflict. Shortly thereafter, Roberts The prime minister came with police and raised the flag again. They were shouted at with profanity, had middle fingers thrown at them, and had bottles, stones and water thrown at them.”
(Thread) Today was a sad yet empowering day in Chapel Hill. On my way to class, I saw the Palestinian flag hanging on a four-flag pole and immediately became angry at the actions of these “protesters.”I can’t claim to have enough knowledge about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict pic.twitter.com/tZrZEOSu8a
— Guillermo Estrada (@estradguillermo) April 30, 2024
Estrada went on to write in the thread:
Once the flag was raised again, the Greek community began singing the national anthem. After the prime minister left, the Quad descended into chaos as demonstrators began removing the flags again, preparing to destroy them.
My brothers and others ran over and held it up so it wouldn’t touch the ground. People started throwing water bottles, stones, sticks at us and calling us profane names. We defended the flag for an hour because so many people are fighting to protect it.
Several lawmakers praised the students for their actions, calling them “courageous.”
“I am so proud of the courageous young Americans at UNC!” former Vice President Mike Pence wrote. post With X.
I’m so proud of these courageous young Americans. @UNC ! https://t.co/Msg3InvRUx
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) May 1, 2024
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) responded: pointing While “pro-Hamas anti-Semitic lunatics” dominate the news, “there are still far more of us than them.”
Pro-Hamas anti-Semitic freaks make a lot of news
But remember, there are still more of us than them. pic.twitter.com/jGOMsUN6OI
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) May 1, 2024
“God bless our brothers and God bless America,” wrote Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.). post on X. “May their solo cups overflow.”
God bless you brothers and God bless America.
May their solo cups overflow. pic.twitter.com/eU83sohoRO
— Congressman Mike Collins (@RepMikeCollins) May 1, 2024
“Today, UNC-Chapel Hill students stood up to an anti-American mob, helped replace the vandalized American flag, and proudly sang the national anthem,” Rep. Byron Donald (R-Fla.) wrote in a post on X. wrote. It is an exceptional nation worth protecting. ”
Must read thread
Today, UNC-Chapel Hill students stood up to an anti-American mob, helped replace a vandalized American flag, and proudly sang the national anthem.
America is an exceptional country worth protecting. https://t.co/l0ERpCdR6F
— Congressman Byron Donalds (@RepDonaldsPress) May 1, 2024
“This is what true courage looks like,” said Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.).
McClain: “Even in a mob, the American spirit reigns stronger than the cheers of hatred.” Added.
This is what true courage looks like. In a mob, the American spirit reigns stronger than the cheers of hatred. https://t.co/CVkKXDF40v
— Rep. Lisa McClain (@RepLisaMcClain) May 1, 2024
Anti-Israel demonstrators at the Harvard encampment removed the American flag and replaced it with a Palestinian flag, until officials finally intervened on Saturday.
