Albert Sturgill Jr was pacing alone at a memorial site for veterans, flipping his middle finger to the American flag and the monuments erected to honour generations of fallen soldiers.

He was known for displaying such behavior at the war memorial and in other parts of the small conservative city of Crossville, Tennessee, due to his deep-rooted disdain for the government, resentment from being rejected by the military and possible mental health issues, his family and residents said.

“He’s real noticeable,” said Larry Doster, a longtime store owner who works near the memorial. “He’s done the same thing numerous other times.”

Sturgill tried not to engage with anyone angered by his actions, according to his niece, Crystal Sturgill, who lives close by. But on August 22, he found himself faci

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