MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. -- A government official in Montgomery County, Maryland reversed a decision by the police department to display a wooden American flag at a police station due to "the concerns of the community."
Officials with the Montgomery County Department of Police on Wednesday, Oct. 30 shared a photo of the flag on Twitter, writing that it was presented to police by James Shelton in recognition of National First Responders Day. Police said it would be displayed in the 5th District Station.
In an update on Friday, Nov. 1, police shared a statement on Twitter from Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, indicating the flag would not be displayed at the police station, "nor in any public space within the Police Department."
Below is the complete statement from County Executive Elrich:
Some people argued the design is considered a symbol of hate and used by white nationalist groups, while others said that’s not the case and is purely meant to honor law enforcement.
It wasn't immediately clear what would be done with the flag.