A predominantly Democrat town in Connecticut refused to fly a “thin blue line” flag in honor of a fallen state trooper who was killed in the line of duty last week, claiming it represents “racism” and “divisiveness.”
In a 5 to 3 vote, members of the Wethersfield Town Council voted against raising a thin blue line flag, which is used to represent law enforcement officers, saying that the flag constitutes “white supremacy.”
“That flag was either created or at least became prevalent in direct response to the Black Lives Matter protests,” Democratic Council member Emily Zambrello said. "It’s viewed as antagonistic even if you don’t see it that way and I don’t think that’s a good flag to fly, especially not without further discussion.”
Instead, the LGBTQ Pride flag was displayed for all to see.
UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 6, 2024
Democrats in CT voted against flying the American blue line flag to honor fallen officer Aaron Pelletier who was kiIIed in the line of duty.
Instead they flew the pride flag at half staff to honor him. The pride flag. I have no words. This is disgraceful.… https://t.co/J0jLfj7j6l pic.twitter.com/7qJQ9oZqSA
“It represents racism and antagonism too many, many people,” Zambrello continued. “And if you don’t personally believe that, and you fly at your own house and you think it means something to you, that is much more positive — it’s just not how many people feel about it.”
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“It’s not appropriate to raise it over our town hall, especially when our flag policy prohibits us from doing anything associated with hate,” she added.
The mayor of the town, Ken Lesser, also suggested that the “thin blue line” flag is associated with far-right and white supremacy groups, saying that they don’t authorize the use of the flag.
Republican Council Member Rich Bailey condemned his Democrat colleagues, saying that all he wants to do is “respect a fallen police officer.”
“In my home, [the “thin blue line” flag] means police, and they protect us, and they are our first line of defense,” he continued. “They always are, and they’re always here, and they’re always for us.”
The 34-year-old state trooper was killed during a routine traffic stop, leaving behind a wife and two young sons.
