Republican lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, replaced three American flags in Washington, DC, on Wednesday night that had been desecrated by anti-Israel agitators earlier in the day.
Rep. Brandon Williams (R-NY) said he was driving through Washington, D.C.’s Union Station, a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol, when he noticed the exposed flagpole outside the historic station and decided to do something about it.
“Our flag was not restored,” Williams said in a video posted to X.
“I gathered the Speaker and many of my fellow Congressmen, including Navy and Marine veterans, and we brought three flags. You’ll see more of them later, but we’ve put the flags back in their place,” the New York Republican added.
Among the lawmakers who supported the effort were Reps. Johnson (R-Louisiana), Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) and Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.).
The flags were burned by Hamas-sympathetic agitators during violent demonstrations that took place as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was speaking to parliament.
Protesters burned the American flag and then raised the Palestinian flag, and at least one Hamas flag was seen in the crowd.
“Tonight we righted their wrong,” Johnson wrote to X.
“The American flag is flying again at Union Station,” the Speaker added. “We will not let terrorist groups win.”
Crenshaw noted that getting the flag back on the pole would have been extremely difficult because of damage caused by anti-Israel rioters.
“It took a while to complete because Hamas sympathizers kept disconnecting, but DC Police were helpful and provided zip ties,” the Texas Republican tweeted.
Before departing, the patriotic delegation lined up in front of the newly installed banner and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
“The anti-American protesters will not have the last say,” Williams said. “We will bring back the flag that was burned at Union Station and continue to defend this great country no matter what.”
