Sullivan recited Declaration of Independence near Confederate flag, social media reports say

Sen. Dan Sullivan recited the Declaration of Independence at a July Fourth weekend event while a Confederate battle flag stood nearby, according to a news report that circulated widely on social media Tuesday. AlaskaNews has not independently verified the report or the circumstances of the event, including who displayed the flag or why it was present. The source material underlying this story is a digest of social-media posts linking to the same news article, not an independent account.

Sullivan faces former Democratic congresswoman Mary Peltola in November in a competitive U.S. Senate race. Major forecasters, including the Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball, have rated the contest a toss-up. The event took place during the nation's 250th-anniversary Independence Day commemorations, as Alaska communities marked the semiquincentennial with readings of the Declaration and related civic events.

The Confederate battle flag carries sharply different meanings. Supporters often describe it as a symbol of Southern heritage, while critics view it as a symbol of racism and oppression. The report does not establish who brought the flag to the event or whether Sullivan was aware of its presence.

Sullivan's office had not responded to a request for comment as of publication.