Sen. Joe Manchin Vows to 'Beat the Hell' Out of Flag Burners

A senator from West Virginia reportedly said Tuesday he would "beat the hell" out of anyone who tries to burn an American flag in front of him.

Roll Call reporter Bridget Bowman tweeted about the comment made by Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.V., midday Tuesday: 

Dem. Sen. Joe Manchin on flag burning: "It's a first amendment right but you do it in front of me, I'm going to beat the hell out of you"

— Bridget Bowman (@bridgetbhc) November 29, 2016

President-elect Donald Trump tweeted about the issue of flag burning early Tuesday morning, saying people who do so should potentially face a year in prison or even the loss of their citizenship.

Nobody should be allowed to burn the American flag - if they do, there must be consequences - perhaps loss of citizenship or year in jail!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 29, 2016

Trump's comments have sparked discussion all throughout the day on Capitol Hill and beyond. 

There were reports before the presidential election Manchin was considering switching parties and representing Republicans in the senate if the GOP needed another seat to maintain its majority. The party held onto its majority, however, and Manchin is still a Democrat.

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