Patriotic frat boys valiantly protected an American flag on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, even as they were pelted by water bottles from pro-Palestinian protesters.
Footage emerged on social media showing the group of male students from the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity holding the Stars and Stripes during a protest Tuesday. Pro-Palestinian groups threw water bottles at the group holding the flag as masked protesters shouted at them.
One person was seen carrying an Israeli flag while others threw objects and water at him while the group held the flag high to not let it touch the ground.
Despite the courageous group’s best efforts, protesters ultimately succeeded in raising the Palestinian flag on the Chapel Hill campus.
Still, the men’s action gained attention online with a GoFundMe set up for the fraternity that raised more than $186,000.
University of North Carolina students were seen trying to force hordes of pro-Palestinian protesters away from the American flag.
Footage emerged on social media showing the group of male students holding the Stars and Stripes during a protest on Tuesday.
One person was seen carrying an Israeli flag while others threw objects and water at him while the group held the flag high to not let it touch the ground.
“We are overwhelmed by you, glorious patriotic Americans who value good beer and good times,” the fraternity wrote on GoFundMe.
“We are in contact with several leaders of fraternities whose members helped defend the flag, including Alpha Epsilon Pi and others, in addition to Pi Kappa Psi. Our gratitude goes to them all and we will update our supporters on what happens next events.
After the American flag was replaced with the Palestinian flag, UNC Acting Chancellor Lee Roberts responded by personally walking out in the middle of the protest and removing the Palestinian flag, ABC11 reported.
Roberts stood guard as he put the American flag back on the flagpole and applauded when workers did so. Footage taken shows Roberts clapping his hands while some students can be heard chanting “USA!, USA!” UNITED STATES!’
Shortly after the flag was restored, it was decided to take it down, fold it into its traditional triangular shape and take it away.
The flagpole then remained empty, prompting the gathered protesters to disperse.
Following the chaos, classes were canceled for the remainder of the day and non-mandatory operations were suspended.
Police intervened to evacuate a camp and arrested some demonstrators during a tense confrontation.
Pro-Palestinian protesters clash with police after replacing an American flag with a Palestinian flag on Tuesday
Pro-Palestinian groups threw water bottles at the group holding the flag as masked protesters shouted at them.
Despite the group’s best efforts, protesters ultimately succeeded in raising the Palestinian flag on the Chapel Hill campus.
Workers assemble barricades at Polk Place at the University of North Carolina on May 1.
The American flag is surrounded by a temporary barrier at Polk Place at the University of North Carolina on May 1 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
The Daily Tar Heel reported that 36 protesters were arrested at the camp.
Six of those 36 people were then arrested and transported to the local magistrate’s office, the media outlet said, with all six charged with trespassing before being released. The university said three of those arrested were students, while the other three were not affiliated with the school.
In a statement, Roberts said, “Over the past several months, we have spoken regularly and respectfully with protesters on our campus, consistently supporting their right to assemble and express their opinions.
“We have made it clear that students and community members can come together and make their voices heard, but University policies must be respected.
“During the events of recent weeks, student protesters have respected our policies.
“That changed Sunday evening when protesters – including outside activists – reversed their commitment to these policies, including entering classrooms at night.
Protesters at the City College of New York raised a Palestinian flag on campus, which officers replaced last night with the Stars and Stripes.
Ground footage shows an officer tossing the flag aside before hoisting Old Glory up the flagpole.
“This group has now made it clear that it will no longer even consider our requests to comply with University policies and has shut down our attempts at constructive dialogue.”
Similarly, the New York Police Department restored the American flag after protesters at City College of New York raised a Palestinian flag on campus.
Ground footage shows an officer tossing the flag aside before hoisting Old Glory up the flagpole.
Speaking at a news conference Wednesday morning, Mayor Eric Adams chastised schools for allowing the flag to be displayed.
He said: “It’s our flag, folks, it might suit some people but not me.” My uncle died defending this country.
“It is despicable that schools allow another country’s flag to be flown in our country. So blame me for being proud to be an American. We are not giving up our way of life.
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