Newcastle Mayor Robert Clark engaged in a heated exchange with an LGBTQ activist during a city council meeting after she criticized the flying of the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) flag as a 'political stunt.' The activist referenced the council's decision not to fly the pride flag last year, which was later reversed due to public outcry. The mayor defended the flying of the POW/MIA flag, stating that veterans sacrificed their lives for the country and deserve respect. He warned the activist not to disparage veterans in his presence.