Michael Snow Jr., a 24-year-old from Durham, North Carolina, has been arrested following a federal criminal complaint that charges him with the destruction of federal property. The incident in question took place on July 24, 2024, when Snow allegedly set fire to an American flag at Union Station in Washington, D.C. This act was reportedly accompanied by chants from the surrounding crowd.

The announcement of the charges was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves alongside Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani of the FBI's Washington Field Office Counterterrorism Division and Chief Jessica M.E. Taylor of the U.S. Park Police.

Snow is scheduled for his initial court appearance this afternoon at the U.S. District Court in the Middle District of North Carolina. He faces federal charges for willfully injuring or damaging United States property.

"Stealing a federal flag and burning it is not speech; it’s destruction of federal property," stated U.S. Attorney Graves. He emphasized that while many people protest lawfully every year in Washington, D.C., those who resort to violence and destruction will face consequences.

SAC Virmani noted that "the FBI does not conduct investigations based solely on First Amendment activities," but added that they will not tolerate acts like Snow's alleged flag burning under the guise of free speech.

Court documents indicate that a demonstration was permitted near Columbus Circle on July 24, where various acts of vandalism occurred, including pulling down flags and spraying graffiti on statues and structures—all considered federal property by the National Park Service. The cleanup costs were estimated at $11,282.23.

Surveillance footage showed two individuals lowering an American flag from its pole before Snow allegedly grabbed it and attempted to set it alight after initially failing to do so without assistance from others in the crowd.

Further investigation into social media led authorities to identify Snow through his driver's license photo and confirmations from acquaintances familiar with him.

The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Martin following investigations conducted by multiple FBI offices and units within USPP's Intelligence and Counterterrorism Unit.

It should be noted that an indictment is merely an allegation, with all defendants presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court proceedings.