A flagpole in Buffalo, New York, sustained damage after the city raised a Somali flag to commemorate Somalian Independence Day.
“The City of Buffalo’s flagpole in Niagara Square sustained damage after unknown vandals broke the access panel, cut the cable, and removed the Somali flag during the overnight hours of Wednesday, July 1. The City of Buffalo Police Department is investigating the incident. The flag had been raised by an organization called Heal International in honor of Somalian Independence Day. Heal International has been raising the Somali flag at Niagara Square for at least the last four years,” Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan said.
“The flagpoles in Niagara Square are available for use by the public, and over the years a variety of organizations have flown flags there, including those representing Ukraine, Greece, Ireland, Puerto Rico, the Karen community, Italy, Bangladesh, and more. Buffalo is a proud, diverse city, and our administration remains committed to honoring and celebrating the many cultures that make our community stronger,” he continued.
Buffalo vandals steal Somali flag from City Hall pole – days after mayor canceled Fourth of July fireworks show https://t.co/0LhrJrGVfe pic.twitter.com/69cAaJ6Qqm
— New York Post (@nypost) July 3, 2026
More from the New York Post:
The mayor, who previously served in the NYS Senate, has taken heat for canceling a city-sponsored Fourth of July fireworks display — days before the Somalian flag was raised.
ADVERTISEMENTRyan claimed plans to hold a large Independence Day celebration fell through after the hired vendor “raised real questions” about the safety of launching fireworks near City Hall, according to WGRZ.
Former New York State Republican Party Chair, Rep. Nick Langworthy ripped Ryan for the excuse.
“Democrats are nominating anti-America socialist candidates across the country–including right here in Buffalo,” Langworthy wrote on Facebook. “The decision to cancel fireworks for our nation’s 250th birthday while simultaneously raising the Somali flag has everything to with THAT and nothing to do with logistics.”
Other Buffalo residents called out Ryan’s leadership as an “embarrassment.”
“Mayor you are an embarrassment to the American people and to the citizens of Buffalo,” one person wrote on Facebook.
“No fireworks for our most significant birthday in our lives. Thanks!” another wrote.
“After exploring potential locations, an appropriate site could not be identified that would provide a safe and widely accessible viewing experience for residents. As a result, the City will not be hosting a downtown fireworks display this year,” a statement read, according to Buffalo Toronto Public Media.
Watch some of Ryan’s comments below:
Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan (D-NY) on why he has cancelled the July 4th fireworks show:
"We're already doing one August 2nd" pic.twitter.com/RmR945RdDc
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) July 3, 2026
Buffalo Toronto Public Media shared further:
Critics of the fireworks cancelation soon shifted their focus toward that Somali flag raising. Many critics point to a recent public aid fraud scandal in Minnesota led primarily by people of Somali descent. A non-Somali woman tied to that scandal was recently sentenced to 42 years in prison for her role in a $250 million case.
The fallout from that has led some political operatives and social media posters to attack the integrity of the broader Somali community.
Other backlash included a reported threat to “blow up” City Hall. Buffalo Police Commissioner Erika Shields confirmed the threat to WGRZ-TV Thursday afternoon, saying an out-of-town suspect had been identified.
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