McHenry Times

Illinois 11th Congressional District candidate Jerry Evans addressed an incident at Union Station where protesters burned American flags, stating, "This un-American behavior should be fully condemned." He made the statement in a July 25 Facebook post.

"Yesterday, Pro-Hamas protesters took down the American flags at Union Station, set them on fire, and raised Palestinian flags," said Evans, according to Facebook. "This un-American behavior should be fully condemned. Thank you to all of the House Republicans who went to Union Station last night to replace the American Flags that the protestors had taken down earlier in the day."

In his Facebook post, Evans shared a link to a Fox News article about House Republicans replacing the American flags at Union Station after a protest that occurred on July 25. According to the article, the American flags that were removed were replaced by Palestinian flags, and at least one American flag was burned. The article notes that hundreds of protesters had gathered that day on Pennsylvania Avenue and Third Street, outside the Gallery of Art.

Screenshot of Jerry Evans for Congress July 25 Facebook post | Jerry Evans for Congress Facebook page

The protests demanded that U.S. military aid to Israel be stopped during a visit from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to Reuters, there were protesters outside Union Station, and some of the thousands of protesters gathered outside the U.S. Capitol were pepper-sprayed by police as Netanyahu spoke to Congress. During his address to Congress, Netanyahu criticized those protesting his visit.

"When the tyrants of Tehran who hang gays from cranes and murder women for not covering their hair are praising, promoting, and funding you, you have officially become Iran's useful idiots," said Netanyahu according to Reuters.

The 11th Congressional District encompasses most of McHenry and Kane Counties and parts of Boone, Lake, DeKalb, DuPage, Cook and Will Counties. U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (D-Ill.), who currently represents the district, has provided a map on his website.

Evans’ campaign website emphasizes his small-business background coupled with a strong commitment to education and community service. As a small businessman, he founded a school of music in the Chicago suburbs. Evans moved to the Chicago area in 2002 to attend Wheaton College where he earned a degree in music. Currently residing in Warrenville with his wife Lisa and their sons Michael and Levi, Evans has dedicated time to mentoring young adults, training missionaries, and participating in mission trips to India, Mexico and South Africa.