WASHINGTON (AP) – Army veterans lit the American flag near the White House due to President Donald Trump’s recent protest Presidential Order Flag Burning pleaded not guilty on Wednesday Federal criminal charges.
Yang Carrey is charged with two misdemeanors that do not focus on burning the flag. Carrie, who appeared in the first court, was charged with being lit up by a fire that caused a fire in an undesignated area and damaging property and park resources.
Judge James Boasberg sets an October 17 deadline for Carrie’s lawyers to file an appeal to dismiss the case on constitutional grounds. Carrie returns to court on December 1st for a status hearing.
Carrie, 54, of Arden, North Carolina, was arrested on August 25 after setting the flag at Lafayette Park. That day, Trump signed Presidential Order The Department of Justice calls for people to be investigated and charged to burn the American flag.
The Supreme Court held that burning the flag is a legitimate political expression protected by the Constitution. Trump’s orders argue that burning a flag could be charged if it corresponds to “highly likely to incite impending lawlessness” or “a fight against words.”
“You burn the flag and get it in prison for a year. You don’t get 10 years, you don’t take a month,” Trump said. “You’ve been in a year’s prison, and it’s on your record, and you’ll soon see a burning flag on fire.”
Carrie said he served in the Army from 1989 to 2012 and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.
“I have served this country for over 20 years and have made an oath to support our constitution. I have not made an oath to serve a dictator, tyrant, or aspiring king,” he told reporters after the hearing.
The firm of US lawyer Janine Piro has filed charges against Carrie. Trump has appointed Pira, a former Fox News host and former judge.
Mara Verheiden Hillard, one of Carrie’s lawyers, said the charges against him represent free speech and efforts by the Trump administration to curb objections.
“This is the beginning of the administration’s first amendment, and it’s important that people stand up, speak out and exercise their rights,” said Verheyden-Hilliard, co-founder of the Civil Justice Fund partnership.
