White Flags Fly from Brooklyn Bridge in Security Breach
- By Matt Holden
- Jul 22, 2014
Local authorities said that the giant American flags that site on the top of both ends of the 
Brooklyn Bridge were replaced by white-painted flags overnight in what is being considered a breach in security.
The flags -- which are a traditional symbol for “surrender” – were lowered and folded into tight triangles using traditional procedures around 11 a.m. Tuesday morning. The police also packed up painting supplies. By 1:15 p.m. this afternoon, the white flag adorning the Manhattan-side of the bridge had been replaced by a U.S. flag. Police are trying to figure out how someone was able to gain access to the bridge, which as around-the-clock patrol cars stationed on both sides of the bridge and security cameras.
This isn’t the first time the flags have been stolen from the bridge. In 2004, anti-Bush protestors stole one during the Republican National Convention and demanded a group of demonstrators be released from police custody.
“The public safety of our city is of paramount importance, particularly our landmarks and bridges that are already known to be high-risk targets,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams in a statement. “We will not surrender our public safety to anyone, at any time.”
About the Author
Matt Holden is an Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media, Inc. He received his MFA and BA in journalism from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He currently writes and edits for Occupational Health & Safety magazine, and Security Today.