"Chicago Mayor Stands by Council Member Amid Flag-Burning Controversy"
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson defended Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez's right to speak at a pro-Palestinian rally where an American flag was burned, calling it "morally reprehensible and irresponsible" to repudiate him. At least 15 aldermen have called for a special meeting to vote on removing Sigcho-Lopez as chair of the City Council Housing Committee, but Johnson refused to condemn him, stating that it's disturbing to debate protected speech in America. Sigcho-Lopez's colleagues have called on the mayor to reprimand him, but he has defended the rally and the veteran who burned the flag, refusing to apologize.