In a shocking display of defiance, a U.S. Army veteran was arrested outside the White House for burning an American flag, just hours after President Donald Trump signed a contentious executive order aimed at curbing flag desecration.

Video footage released by The Bulwark shows the veteran boldly standing in front of the iconic residence, declaring himself a 20-year combat veteran. He passionately expressed, "I’m burning this flag as a protest to that illegal fascist president that sits in that House," while gesturing emphatically toward the White House.

His fierce protest was fueled by anger over what he described as the president's disregard for legality: "We burn this flag in protest to that president, who feels like it’s his right to do whatever he wants, make whatever law he wants, regardless of whether it’s legal or illegal."

The Secret Service swiftly intervened, detaining the veteran for igniting an object, later handing him over to U.S. Park Police who charged him with violating a law against lighting fires in public parks.

This dramatic act of protest took place a mere day after President Trump signed an executive order labeling the flag as a sacred symbol that should unite all Americans, declaring its desecration as "uniquely offensive and provocative." The order seeks to hold accountable those who destroy the American flag, while asserting an attempt to clarify First Amendment exceptions related to the issue.

However, it's crucial to note that burning the American flag has historically been recognized as a protected right under the U.S. Constitution. Trump's order does not criminalize the act nor impose direct punishments, but indicates that flag burning which incites violence may not enjoy constitutional protection.

In a statement to the press, the president remarked, "When you burn the American flag, it incites riots at levels that we’ve never seen before. People go crazy." He ominously added that individuals caught flag burning could face a year in prison, igniting further debate over free speech versus respect for national symbols.

This provocative event raises questions about the boundaries of protest and the ongoing tensions surrounding patriotism in the United States today.