Angry mob chases would-be flag burner off LSU Campus

By: Casey Glynn
Topics: Daily Blotter

Flag burning

(Credit: CBS/file)

(CBS/AP) - A mob of protesters chased a would-be flag burner off the Louisiana State University campus Wednesday, ending the display before it began.

LSU graduate student Benjamin Haas had originally planned to burn an American flag reportedly in response to the recent arrest of another LSU student who stole and burning a flag from a war memorial. Instead, Haas agreed to read a statement.

While reading the statement he was surrounded by a large crowd yelling obscenities and chanting, "USA" and "Go to hell hippie, go to hell."

Ultimately, about 1,000 LSU students and other protesters forced police to intervene.

For his own safety, horse-mounted officers escorted Haas out to a police car as the crowd followed, police say. He was not arrested.

LSU spokesperson Ernie Ballard said the school did not endorse the actions of Haas or the crowd, reports myfoxny.comfile.

Referring to the recent flag-burning, student government association president Cody Wells said, "It's time that my generation stand up for what they believe in and exercise their freedom of speech and let people know that we are not OK with this."

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by Harden_Tar June 1, 2011 4:51 PM EDT: He needs to transfer to the People's Republic of UC Berkeley. They will welcome him with open arms.

Go Tigers!; Reply to this comment


by Panthereternal May 13, 2011 8:36 PM EDT: It's about time American's stood up, stop laying down and worrying about what this group thinks. Stand up for what we know is right. If we stop worrying about being politically correct for a change and speak out as Americans. Things like this don't happen as it has been shown here. LSU's students should be commended and everyone should follow suite.; Reply to this comment


by chris88625 May 13, 2011 4:43 PM EDT: Just an FYI this story is completely sensationalized. I am an LSU student and was there. The photo is NOT of any relevance to the LSU situation. It was pulled from the internet and used to sensationalize the story. And as far as the crowd being called a mob is ridiculous too. It was an amazing showing of patriotism from the youth of Louisiana. It was extremely powerful to be there and see students defending the flag and the country at 12 noon on a wednesday in the MIDDLE OF FINALS week. Geaux Tigers and Geaux USA!; Reply to this comment


by Soogie May 13, 2011 2:54 PM EDT: It saddens me to ever see an American Flag burned in protest, as this act seems to dishoner all the principles on which this nation was founded and the men and women who have fought and died to maintain those principles. However, I can not remember mob rule, or tyranny of the majority, as being principles on which this nation was founded. Can we truly ask God to bless us if we drive protesters away through the use of crowd intimidation or force?; Reply to this comment


by UsMcBaldie247 May 13, 2011 8:54 AM EDT: if your so against this countries form and actions. Why don't you go back to your country. It's funny how freedom of speech is abused. Their should be a law that forbids any destruction or vandalism in the interest/reflects our country.; Reply to this comment


by jwilsonte May 13, 2011 8:41 AM EDT: Our flag means nothing if that is what you are hiding behind take a good look at yourself .. But than you may be a liar and cheat soo you may relate and last i checked this is a free country. GET some B-lls BOYS!!!!!STAND UP FOR WHATS RIGHT FREEDOM NOT ABOUT A FLAG FOOLS; Reply to this comment


by smirk5 May 13, 2011 1:41 AM EDT: If only those chickenhawks (mostly) knew that it was the presence of hippies in the sixties and seventies that keeps them from being drafted to go and fight in the wars to enrich the trust-fund babies.; Reply to this comment


by rainbowroosie May 12, 2011 9:26 PM EDT: Dumb a** -- what's his next move, waving a red flag in front of a bull? Try the old USSR banner....; Reply to this comment