Police have released a photo of a protester wanted for lighting a U.S. flag on fire at a pro-Palestinian demonstration in front of a WWI memorial in the city. The suspect, a male wearing a keffiyeh that covers most of his face, allegedly snatched the flag from a woman before setting it ablaze. The incident occurred at Fifth Avenue and East 67th Street around 6:30 p.m. on Monday.
The flag-burning suspect is described as a male with a light complexion and medium build. He was last seen wearing a red shirt, black shorts, and a black book bag during the protest. Additionally, a 16-year-old protester who vandalized the 107th Infantry Memorial at the same demonstration was arrested and charged with criminal mischief and making graffiti.
The bronze memorial features seven WWI foot soldiers in battle and was tarnished by several protesters who climbed on top of the infantrymen while waving Palestinian flags. Police are appealing to the public for any information on the flag-burning incident or the suspect involved. Tips can be reported to the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline or online through the Crime Stoppers website or Twitter.
The NYPD is actively investigating the incident and seeking to identify and apprehend the person responsible for setting the U.S. flag on fire. The flag-burning took place during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in front of a WWI memorial in the city, leading to outrage and calls for justice from the community.
The suspect, covered in a keffiyeh that obscured most of his face, allegedly took the flag from a woman and proceeded to burn it during the unruly protest. Police have described him as having a light complexion and a medium build, wearing a red shirt, black shorts, and a black book bag at the time of the demonstration.
In addition to the flag-burning incident, a 16-year-old protester was arrested for vandalizing the 107th Infantry Memorial during the same protest. The memorial, depicting seven WWI foot soldiers in battle, was defaced by protesters climbing on top of the infantrymen while waving Palestinian flags. The NYPD is urging anyone with information on either incident to come forward and report it to Crime Stoppers.
