Man Arrested In Flag-Burning Facebook Protest Will Not Be Charged

LOS ANGELES (AP) — An Illinois man whose flag-burning protest led to his arrest on Independence Day will not face charges, authorities said Tuesday.

Pictures posted on Bryton Mellott's Facebook page over the weekend showed him holding a burning American flag, and he wrote that he's "not proud to be an American." The message appears to have been removed, but a picture remains.

Urbana police were alerted to the post and say officers noticed commenters threatening Mellott and his employer, Wal-Mart. Police say after speaking to both Mellott and Wal-Mart, Mellott was taken into custody out of concern for his safety.

The 22-year-old Mellott was set to be arraigned Tuesday, but an Illinois prosecutor said Tuesday afternoon she will not file charges.

Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz said in a statement that flag burning is "protected free speech."

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