Connecticut town refuses to fly thin blue line flag for fallen officer, calls it 'antagonistic'

The idea to fly the flag was pitched after state trooper Aaron Pelletier was killed during a traffic stop. 

Published: June 8, 2024 2:11pm

A town council in Connecticut decided not to fly the "thin blue line" flag to honor a state trooper who died, with one member referring to the flag as "antagonistic."

The Wethersfield Town Council rejected the notion to fly the "thin blue line" flag in a 5-3 vote after a dispute about the flag with some arguing it had ties to "white supremacy," according to Fox News.

Democratic Councilmember Emily Zambrello said at one point that the flag is viewed as "antagonistic."

The idea to fly the flag was pitched after state trooper Aaron Pelletier was killed during a traffic stop. Republican Council Member Rich Bailey suggested flying the flag to honor him. 

This resulted in disagreement among council members with the mayor eventually weighing in. 

"It is now being used by white supremacist groups and other far-right types of groups," Wethersfield Mayor Ken Lesser said. "And even many police departments around the country and in Connecticut have said that 'we don't authorize to use that flag.'"

Thin Blue Line USA which sells the flags, says that the flag is "flown to show support for our heroes in law enforcement and serves as a consoling reminder they will always be there to protect us."

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