White flags mysteriously replace Old Glory atop Brooklyn Bridge

On the morning of Tuesday July 22, two American flags that sat atop the Brooklyn Bridge were removed by unknown people who replaced them with bleached flags. Construction workers discovered the startling change on the landmark at around 5:30 a.m.

“Members of the emergency service units went to the top of bridge to inspect and document the scene,” said Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence, and Counterterrorism, John Miller. “What they found were two flags, one on each tower, that were approximately 20 feet by 11 feet that actually appeared to be American flags with stars and stripes that had been bleached white.”

According to Miller, the exchange likely began at approximately 3:30 a.m. Video surveillance revealed about five individuals on the bridge’s pedestrian walkway. Within the next 13 minutes, lights that illuminate the flags flickered then went out completely. “They also found what appeared to be large aluminum pans that had been affixed as covers over the lights and secured with zip ties,” Miller said.

Although the motive remains unclear, the NYPD doesn’t believe the incident to be an act of terror. “At this time, it appears it has no particular nexus to terrorism or even politics. This may be somebody’s art project or maybe an attempt at making some kind of statement but at this point it’s not clear what that statement is,” said Miller.

“No matter what the motive was, it’s a matter of concern, said NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton. I’m not happy about the event.

One thing is clear: the act was likely premeditated. “There’s some indication of, some good deal of pre-operational planning, perhaps some indication they have some experience climbing in construction or bridge work or they may have been up there before,” said Miller.

A few hours after the incident, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams was joined by Councilmember Margaret Chin at the entrance of the Brooklyn Bridge, condemning the act and giving New Yorkers extra incentive to provide information regarding those involved.

“Our goal is to send a very loud message that we are offering a $5,000 reward for anyone leading to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible for this action,” said Adams. “This is not a joke, and if it is, we’re not laughing and they’re not going to be laughing when they’re apprehended.

“The desecration of the flag is a crime. The person should be apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Adams.

The incident has New Yorkers questioning if the bridge is safe from potential acts of terror. “To be clear, we are concerned about it,” added Miller. “It’s also important to put it within some form of perspective which is the focus of the NYPD security on the Brooklyn Bridge from a counter terrorism standpoint is focused most clearly on areas of bridge that are most critical to its structural integrity.”

The culprits potentially face several charges such as criminal trespassing, potential malicious mischief and reckless endangerment, according to Miller.

Additional reporting by Meaghan McGoldrick