Senator Hawley Proposes Increased Prison Time for Flag Burners Amid Los Angeles Riots

Senator Josh Hawley is introducing legislation to impose up to an additional year of prison time for individuals who burn the American flag while committing another crime, such as rioting or inciting violence. Hawley developed the bill with the support of President Donald Trump, who has publicly condemned flag burning during recent violent protests in Los Angeles and called for harsher penalties. While flag burning has been protected as symbolic free speech under the Supreme Court's Texas v. Johnson ruling, Hawley argues that this protection should not extend to flag burning committed in furtherance of federal crimes. The legislation aims to enhance sentences specifically for flag burning that occurs in the context of criminal acts, rather than penalizing peaceful expression. Trump has emphasized that those who burn the American flag, particularly during violent protests where foreign flags are waved, should face jail time, reflecting a broader law-and-order stance. The proposal has sparked calls from Hawley for bipartisan support to affirm the flag as a national symbol deserving of protection against desecration in criminal contexts.