Flags Hoisted Upside Down in Brooklyn Sparks Outrage

In southern Brooklyn, flags representing the United States and POW/MIA were discovered flying upside down at three different locations, prompting anger among local residents who linked the disrespect to anti-American, far-left initiatives supported by city officials.

The city Parks Department responded quickly, dispatching crews to correct the flags’ display at John J. Carty Park, the Fort Hamilton Triangle in Bay Ridge, and Bath Beach Park in Bensonhurst. Carty Park is located adjacent to the Fort Hamilton Army base.

Flying the American flag upside down is traditionally a distress signal, but it is also commonly viewed as an act of disrespect toward the country and its symbols.

Upside-down American flag flying below a black flag — Later on Friday, the flags at John J. Carty Park were correctly raised.

Local reactions included disappointment and concern. A resident remarked, “It’s disrespectful because many veterans sacrificed their lives for this nation.”

Some witnesses reported seeing teenagers removing and manipulating the flags the previous day, but they did not observe the flags being hung upside down.

One vocal critic, a GOP operative, expressed disappointment over the incident, stating, “I’m honestly shocked this happened in Bay Ridge.” He also criticized local Democratic representatives, accusing them of enabling un-American behavior.

Additionally, some officials and residents criticized a joke made by a city councilman, Justin Brannan, who suggested that a conspiracy involving a political figure was behind the act—something he later clarified was a joke.

American flag on a tall pole at 95th and Fort Hamilton — The flags at John J. Carty Park were later restored to proper display.

Both Brannan and Brooklyn GOP Chairman Richie Barsamian took responsibility for calling the authorities to had the flags correctly flown after residents expressed their displeasure.

Barsamian, who is running for the same council seat, criticized Brannan’s joke about the conspiracy, calling it “terribly inappropriate,” especially given the context of Memorial Day traditions. Brannan’s spokesperson reaffirmed his respect for the flag, emphasizing it symbolizes values shared by all Americans, regardless of political affiliation.

Both officials agreed that the flag’s disrespectful treatment was unacceptable and emphasized the importance of honoring national symbols.