Somali Flag Vanishes Days After Mayor Axed July Fourth Fireworks [WATCH]

Buffalo police are investigating the theft of a Somali flag that had been raised outside City Hall to commemorate Somali Independence Day, an incident that comes just days after Mayor Sean Ryan faced criticism for canceling the city’s Fourth of July fireworks celebration, as reported by the New York Post.

According to city officials, the flag was stolen during the overnight hours of July 1 after vandals damaged one of the public-use flagpoles in Niagara Square.

“The City of Buffalo’s flagpole in Niagara Square sustained damage after unknown vandals broke the access panel, cut the cable, and removed the Somali flag during the overnight hours of Wednesday, July 1,” Ryan wrote in a Facebook post announcing the incident.

Ryan said the Buffalo Police Department has launched an investigation into the reported vandalism.

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The city approved the nonprofit organization HEAL International to raise the blue Somali flag with its white star on July 1 in recognition of Somali Independence Day.

“The flag had been raised by an organization called Heal International in honor of Somalian Independence Day. Heal International has been raising the Somali flag at Niagara Square for at least the last four years,” Ryan said.

City officials noted that the public-use flagpoles outside City Hall have displayed numerous flags over the years representing countries and territories, including Ukraine, Greece, Ireland, Puerto Rico, Italy, and Bangladesh.

Officials have not announced how much damage was caused to the city-owned flagpole or provided an estimate of repair costs.

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The two flagpoles are located across from the eastern side of Buffalo City Hall. One pole permanently flies the American flag, while the second is designated for approved commemorative flag raisings.

According to the New York State Assembly, Somali Bantu refugees have lived on Buffalo’s West Side since 2003.

“Buffalo is a proud, diverse city, and our administration remains committed to honoring and celebrating the many cultures that make our community stronger,” Ryan wrote.

The theft occurred amid continued criticism of Ryan’s decision to cancel Buffalo’s city-sponsored Fourth of July fireworks display ahead of America’s 250th birthday celebrations.

Ryan said the planned Independence Day event was canceled after the city’s contracted fireworks vendor raised safety concerns about launching fireworks near City Hall, according to WGRZ.

The mayor later explained that he also opposed relocating the event to a barge on the river because another fireworks display is already planned there later this summer.

“I didn’t want to do them on the barge in the river because we’re already doing them on August 2 on the barge in the river.”

The explanation drew criticism from Rep. Nick Langworthy, the former chairman of the New York State Republican Party.

“Democrats are nominating anti-America socialist candidates across the country–including right here in Buffalo,” Langworthy wrote on Facebook. “The decision to cancel fireworks for our nation’s 250th birthday while simultaneously raising the Somali flag has everything to do with THAT and nothing to do with logistics.”

The mayor also faced criticism from residents responding to his Facebook post.

“Mayor, you are an embarrassment to the American people and to the citizens of Buffalo,” one commenter wrote.

Another added, “No fireworks for our most significant birthday in our lives. Thanks!”

Despite the cancellation of the city-sponsored fireworks display, Buffalo is still scheduled to participate in America250 festivities.

The city plans to host its “Stars, Stripes, and Signers” celebration at the Buffalo Naval Park and the Canalside district as part of the nationwide commemoration.

Police have not identified any suspects in the theft, and the investigation into the vandalism at Niagara Square remains ongoing.

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