National anthem singer kneeled in protest during her own performance

The widespread national anthem protest movement has extended from NFL players to entire high school football teams, but what happened on Monday night in Sacramento is the first of its kind.

Before the Sacramento Kings hosted an Israeli basketball team for an exhibition game, singer Leah Tysse began performing the national anthem. Near the end of her the song, she lowered to the ground and took a knee.

READ MORE: Cheerleaders took a knee during the national anthem, and veterans are not happy about it

"This act embodies the conflict many of us feel. I love and honor my country as deeply as anyone yet it is my responsibility as an American to speak up against injustice as it affects my fellow Americans," Tysse said on Facebook.

"Taking a knee felt like the most patriotic thing I could do."

Athletes who have protested the national anthem:

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