Protester disrupts US flag raising at Vilnius TV tower

A protester climbed and attempted to damage a US flag during a ceremonial raising at the Vilnius TV tower on Saturday, ahead of the 250th anniversary of US independence, LRT.lt reports.

The incident occurred as organisers prepared to hoist a 540-square-metre, 70-kilogram US flag—the largest foreign flag ever raised in Lithuania and at the Vilnius TV tower—intended as a symbolic gift marking US-Lithuania strategic partnership.

Footage shared on social media showed the young man walking over the flag, accusing police and Americans of “Gestapo-like arrests” and shouting that “Trump is clearly against Zelensky.” Organisers detained him before police took him into custody.

Vilnius County Police confirmed an investigation has been launched for public order violation. A spokesperson stated that a man born in 2005 “deliberately climbed a fence and trampled the US flag lying on the ground, demonstrating disrespect and disturbing public order.”

Local media identified the detainee as Saulius Vinokuras, brother of Inga Ruginienė’s advisor Tadas Vinokuras. Saulius Vinokuras previously left posters at the Paneriai Memorial following a visit by Israel’s foreign minister, reading “Sanctions on Israel” and “Never again for anyone #FreePalestine.”

His father, publicist Arkady Vinokuras, condemned the act but said he could not disown his son, calling it a “painful and dangerous mistake” and warning of the influence of radical narratives on young people.

Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry said the event, co-organised with the American Chamber of Commerce in Lithuania and the US Embassy, was meant to symbolise the unshakable bond between the two nations. Deputy Foreign Minister Audra Plepytė called the flag a “powerful symbol of our strategic partnership and deep friendship.”