712 Digital Group - top

Man rescues burning US flag from Iowa City protesters

News

January 27th, 2017 by Ric Hanson

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – A man wielding a fire extinguisher has rescued a burning U.S. flag from protesters in Iowa City. Organizers told the Iowa City Press-Enterprise  that Thursday’s demonstration across from the Old Capitol Mall was aimed at racial and social injustice and U.S. imperialism. The protesters’ actions drew angry comments from some bystanders.

Iowa City Press-Enterprise/Citizen (photo) (A-P)

One man, Matt Uhrin, used the extinguisher against the flames and, despite some pushing and shoving, took one of the flags from the protesters and walked away. Uhrin returned when they set another flag aflame. More pushing and shoving ensued, but he was unable to retrieve the second flag and lost his extinguisher in the effort.

An Iowa City police officer says two of the protesters were cited because they didn’t obtain a permit for the open burn.