[B]URLINGTON — The Burlington Police Department says two teenagers have been identified as responsible for burning a New North End man’s Trump 2020 flag.
Police announced Wednesday that two Burlington residents, ages 14 and 15, have been referred to an alternative justice program.
Gus Klein called police on Nov. 25, saying he had found his Trump 2020 flag burned on his porch at his North Avenue home. The flag burning attracted national media attention when President Donald Trump’s son, Eric, promised to send Klein a new flag on Twitter.
“Gus, Thank you so much for the support and thank you for your service to our country! Get us your address – a new Trump 2020 Flag will be coming your way! Keep up the fight,” Eric Trump tweeted.
Eric Trump later tweeted that the flag was in the mail, and that he would send as many flags as needed. The Burlington Free Press reported that Klein had not yet received the replacement flag Eric Trump had promised to send.
J.T. Trieb, a lieutenant for the BPD, said that the juveniles’ parents had assisted investigators. He said the flag burning occurred on asphalt away from the property, not near any buildings, and there was no threat of collateral damage.
Trieb said the department received an anonymous tip that pointed to one of the juveniles. Police then had a conversation with that juvenile and their parents, he said.
The teens will likely have to make restitution for burning the flag, Trieb said, and the alternative justice program is a diversion program that will keep them out of court.
The flag is estimated to cost around $10.
Klein did not immediately return a call from VTDigger seeking comment.
This story has been corrected to reflect that the teens were not arrested. Police say they have been identified and referred to an alternative justice program for resolution.
