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Video shows protesters outside of the Republican Nation Convention setting fire to an American flag.
Police arrested 17 people Wednesday after a melee broke out during a flag-burning in the streets outside the Republican National Convention.
Moments after the flag was set on fire, officers charged in to put it out with an extinguishing spray that some in the crowd thought was pepper spray because of similarities in the design of the canisters and the eye irritation caused by the fire-suppression substance.
“You’re on fire! You’re on fire, stupid!” a Cleveland officer shouted at a protester while firing the extinguishing spray.
“Burn that rag! Burn that rag!” supporters of the group yelled.
Police also said two officers were assaulted and suffered minor injuries.