Police in Buffalo, New York, are investigating the theft of a Somalian flag that was raised outside City Hall to mark Somali Independence Day on July 1, 2026. The incident occurred just days after Mayor Sean Ryan cancelled the city's Fourth of July fireworks display for America's 250th birthday celebrations, sparking controversy.
Flag stolen overnight
Mayor Ryan announced on Facebook that vandals broke an access panel, cut the cable, and removed the flag from Niagara Square overnight Wednesday. The flag had been raised by Heal International, an organization that has flown the Somali flag at the square for at least the past four years. Other groups have similarly raised flags of other nations in the public space.
“Buffalo is a proud, diverse city, and our administration remains committed to honouring and celebrating the many cultures that make our community stronger,” Ryan wrote. The cost of damage to city-owned property was not immediately known.
Fireworks cancellation draws backlash
The flag raising took place days after Ryan cancelled the city-sponsored July 4 fireworks display, citing safety concerns. The mayor said the hired vendor raised “real questions” about launching fireworks near City Hall, and that “an appropriate site could not be identified that would provide a safe and widely accessible viewing experience for residents,” according to WGRZ.
Ryan noted Buffalo has not hosted July 4 fireworks in at least a “generation,” though it has held New Year’s Eve displays and other shows at locations like Niagara Square, Delaware Park, and LaSalle Park.
Criticism from state Republicans
Former New York State Republican Party Chair Rep. Nick Langworthy criticized the cancellation, calling it a “choice” rather than a “logistical challenge.” In a Facebook post, Langworthy said, “At a moment when our nation should be celebrating 250 years of freedom, those in charge sent a clear message about what they value, and it wasn’t America. The people of Buffalo deserve leaders who are proud to celebrate this country, not ones who treat patriotism as an afterthought.”
Buffalo is still set to hold “Stars Stripes and Signers” at the Buffalo Naval Park and Canalside area as part of ongoing America 250 celebrations.
