Democrat-led city A state council in Connecticut refused to fly a “thin blue line” flag in honor of a state trooper killed in the line of duty, with one member calling it “anti-Semitic.”
Wethersfield Town Council members voted down a proposal to fly the “thin blue line” by a vote of 5 to 3 after a passionate debate on flags, saying the flag has “white supremacist” and “anti-Semitic” associations.
In a recording of the City Council meeting, Democratic Councilmember Emily Zambrello was heard saying the flag was “seen as hostile.”
“That flag was either created or at least popularized as a direct response Black Lives Matter protests” Zambrello said. “It’s seen as antagonistic, even if you don’t look at it that way and I don’t think that’s a good sign, especially without further discussion.”
In an interview, Wethersfield Mayor Ken Lesser said the flag has connections to racism.
“It’s now being used by white supremacist groups and other right-wing groups,” Lesser said. “And even many police departments across the country and in Connecticut have said ‘we don’t allow that flag to be used.’”
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Sheriff’s deputies in Ohio hoisted the “Thin Blue Line” flag Sunday after an American flag was stolen amid protests over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. (iStock)
The disagreement began after an altercation with a 34-year-old man. Connecticut State Trooper 1st Class Aaron Pelletier was killed during a routine traffic stop – leaving behind a wife and two young boys.
Republican Council Member Rich Bailey suggested the town should fly a “thin blue line” flag over town hall in honor of Pelletier’s sacrifice — sparking immediate outrage from majority Democrats on the council.
Trooper 1st Class Aaron Pelletier died when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver during a traffic stop on Interstate 84 in Southington, Connecticut on May 30, 2024. (Connecticut State Police)
The thin blue line is a symbol that represents police officers who separate order from chaos. Thin Blue Line USAis a company that sells items displaying the flag supporting law enforcement, veterans and first responders.
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“The thin blue line flag is flown to show support for our heroes in law enforcement and serves as a comforting reminder that they will always be there to protect us,” the Thin Blue Line USA website reads. “For those who walk it, the thin blue line is a reflection of courage, a pledge of brotherhood, and a tribute to those who have died in the line of duty.”
Connecticut State Police Trooper 1st Class Aaron Pelletier, who was killed in a hit-and-run crash on May 30, will be buried on June 5, 2024. (Connecticut State Police)
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Republican Councilmember Brianna Timbrow said she was “deeply disappointed by this situation.”
“There were many ways this could have been handled, and in my view the way it was done is disrespectful not only to TFC Aaron Pelletier and his family, but to law enforcement agencies across our country.”
The disagreement about flying the “thin blue line” flag arose when the council had scheduled the flying of the Pride flag in honor of LGBT Pride Month.
“They had already scheduled a Pride flag raising ceremony on the 4th,” Timbro said. “During that ceremony, State Representative Amy Morin-Bello (D) said something about not raising the Pride flag but flying it at half-staff to show respect to TFC Aaron Pelletier.”
A flag with a thin blue line is displayed, indicating support for law enforcement. (Stephanie Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)
Democratic Council Member Mickey Durik told Fox News Digital that his disagreement about flying the “thin blue line” flag was not because of the flag itself, but because of current policies.
“I made no comment on the actual flag; my comments were in regard to our current policy, the process for voting on any flag,” he said.
Duric has told Fox News Digital his Recent Facebook PostsHe wrote that Council Member Bailey was aware that city policy required special flag requests to be submitted 30 days prior to the meeting, but he allegedly failed to do so.
He said, “Our flag policy was adopted in February 2024 and this meeting showed that it is not an ideal policy. It showed that we need to amend it and allow some flags to be flown at shorter intervals. I was personally involved in creating our current policy and I will be involved in amending it.”
Trooper 1st Class Aaron Pelletier, his wife Dominique, and their two sons. (Connecticut State Police)
More than 1,500 people said goodbye to Pelletier at a funeral held at Hartford’s Xfinity Theater on June 5.
Pelletier’s wife, Dominique Pelletier, speaking at the funeral, said, Sacrifice of her husband,
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“The light of our smiles will forever fade,” she said. “You were not just my husband, you were my home. You were my heart … my best friend, my confidante.”
“He balanced the demands of his profession with the needs of his family, never allowing one to overshadow the other,” Dominic said.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Meyer Lesser for comment.
