The unauthorized use of incendiary devices and open flames during commission of Federal offenses poses a significant threat to public safety and Federal property.
finding
Affects: public safety; Federal property
The desecration or destruction of United States symbols, including flags, in connection with Federal crimes or attempts to intimidate public actors amplifies the danger of the underlying crime to the public and to property.
finding
Affects: United States symbols (including flags); public actors; public; property
The burning of the flag of the United States in furtherance of committing a Federal crime reflects an intent to provoke civic unrest, intimidate officials, or signal violent disruption and is an aggravating factor in the commission of a criminal act.
finding
Affects: flag of the United States; officials; civic order
The purpose of this Act is to enhance penalties for the use of incendiary devices, including burning the flag of the United States, in the commission of Federal offenses.
penalty
Affects: incendiary devices; flag burning; Federal offenses
Defines the term incendiary device to include any flammable object, accelerant, fire-starting mechanism, or other apparatus intended to ignite fire, whether improvised or commercially manufactured.
definition
Affects: General public / any person (who may use an incendiary device) ("Whoever")
