Hogan Slams Elrich For Banning 'Thin Blue Line' Flag Display

GERMANTOWN, MD — Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich's decision to prohibit a local police station from displaying a gifted homemade flag has drawn sharp criticism from Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan.

A Germantown man and his son presented the wooden "thin blue line" flag to 5th District police officers in honor of National First Responders Day — which was on Oct. 28. The Montgomery County Police Department posted a picture of the flag on Twitter last week and announced it would be displayed at the 5th District police station.

The announcement prompted community backlash, with some residents saying the flag — which boasts a thin, bright blue stripe — is closely associated with white nationalists and those who oppose the Black Lives Matter movement.

Others, however, assert that the flag shows support for America's law enforcement officers.

Thank you to resident James Shelton, who presented Montgomery County 5th District officers with a wooden American Flag that he had made in recognition of National First Responders Day. The flag will be displayed in the 5th District Station. pic.twitter.com/kbAI32xHkY
— Montgomery County Department of Police (@mcpnews) October 30, 2019

Elrich, a Democrat, responded to the controversy with a statement, which read in part: "The flag provides a symbol of support to some but it is a symbol of dismissiveness to others. Because it is divisive, the flag will not be posted at the 5th District nor in any public space within the Police Department."

Hogan said in a series of tweets Sunday that he was "offended and disgusted" that Elrich banned police officers from displaying the artwork.

In one tweet, the Republican said:

We are proud to hang these Thin Blue Line flags in Government House to honor our brave law enforcement officers. A local elected official prohibiting police from displaying a flag given to them by a grateful child is disgraceful. pic.twitter.com/PmPGzfSSF1
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) November 3, 2019