**JOE CONCANNON STATEMENT ON FLAG-BURNING RALLY**

**CALLS FOR NEW YORKERS TO PROTEST RALLY BY PUTTING UP AMERICAN FLAGS**

Says, “Mayor abandons city while the flag burns”

Queens Village, NY— City council candidate, Joe Concannon released the following statement about tonight’s “Burn the American Flags Rally:”

“I am beyond appalled that such a grossly disrespectful act would be permitted by New York City officials, especially so close to Independence Day. It is a sign of Mayor de Blasio’s incompetence and disregard for the United States that he would do nothing to intervene with these proceedings. Recently, many flags have been featured in the news that highlight different aspects of our history. There have been arguments made in support and in opposition of such flags, but only one flag unites all Americans of all races, ethnicities, social status, and political affiliation, and that is the American flag.

I refuse to stand idly by as the mayor abandons his city and allows the flag to burn, so I am calling on all New Yorkers to protest this atrocious rally. Please, take to social media and change you profile pictures to American flags. Put up American flags in front of your houses and leave them up until July 4th. Any New Yorkers who do so will be personally thanked by my campaign or myself. We will fight this hatred the American way—with strength through unity.”