Young Islamists and communists unite to burn U.S. flags and chant “Allahu Akbar.”

Should burning U.S. flags be declared an illegal act or considered an act of terrorism?

In recent months, the United States has faced violent incidents linked to individuals radicalized by Islamist ideologies.

In July 2024, during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, D.C., pro-Palestinian demonstrations escalated into acts such as the burning of U.S. flags and clashes with the police. Thousands of protesters marched toward the Capitol carrying Palestinian flags and banners with messages like “Arrest Netanyahu” and “End U.S. aid to Israel.” Some participants replaced American flags with Palestinian ones and vandalized nearby monuments with graffiti.

Attack in New Orleans
On January 1, 2025, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen and former military member, carried out an attack in New Orleans during New Year's celebrations. Using a truck, he plowed into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing at least 15 people and injuring more than 30. After the ramming, Jabbar opened fire on bystanders before being shot dead by the police. Weapons, possible explosives, and an Islamic State (ISIS) flag were found in his vehicle, suggesting inspiration from the terrorist group. This incident highlights ISIS’s continued ability to inspire terrorist acts in the West, even after losing its territorial strongholds. Online propaganda remains a powerful tool for the radicalization of individuals within the United States.

Additionally, in March 2025, Mahmud Khalil, a Palestinian student at Columbia University, was arrested by federal immigration agents on charges of leading protests against the war in Gaza and aligning with the terrorist group Hamas. His arrest has sparked debates about free speech and counterterrorism policies in the United States. Notably, these debates have been fueled by supporters of the radical left, represented by the Democratic Party.

It is important to emphasize that while freedom of speech is a fundamental right in the United States, immigration laws can impact the residency of foreigners who engage in political activities deemed controversial or perceived as support for designated terrorist organizations like Hamas. These measures reflect the current administration’s stance on national security and foreign policy regarding the Middle East conflict.