Making Their Voices Heard Black Lives Matter And Blue Lives Matter Rally

Is the black flag with a thin blue line a symbol of support for police or a symbol of racism?

A group of Black Lives Matter (BLM) supporters staged a protest rally/march in Smithtown, Saturday, March 6th demanding the removal of the black and white flag with a thin blue line from Smithtown Fire Department equipment. 

A small group of BLM supporters began their march at the Smithtown train station and marched to Elm Ave. by way of Maple Ave. The group chanted “hey,hey,ho,ho racists flags have got to go” and “black lives matter” as they marched.

A group, estimated by police to be more than 100, who support the use of the thin blue line flag staged their own rally at the intersection of Elm and Jericho then proceeded down to the Smithtown Fire House on Elm. 

According to BLM attendees the flag is too often seen at events where Black Lives Matter supporters are protesting the use of force by police against people of color. The thin blue line flag is seen by protestors as a symbol of racial injustice similar to the confederate flag. 

Not so, say people waving the thin blue line flag. The flag represents support for police who have a difficult job and show courage and integrity in the line of duty. 

There were plenty of interactions between the two groups. Chanting of “black lives matter” was met with chants of “all lives matter”.  In the middle were police who had the challenging job of ensuring the peaceful rally remained peaceful.

Despite the loud exchanges from both sides there were several civil conversations between individuals challenging and explaining positions. A Viet Nam veteran from Nissequogue said he had no problem with the flag being placed on fire department equipment and he had no problem with the dual rallies saying that free speech and peaceful protest is an American way of life.

The protests were loud and mostly peaceful until late afternoon. According to police three arrests were made.  A fight broke out among protesters at approximately 4:10 p.m. Brandon Felton, 47, of East Meadow, was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest.  Derek Bolster, 45, of West Islip, was charged with Disorderly Conduct and an outstanding warrant. Matthew Baranski, 46, of East Norwich, NY, was charged with Disorderly Conduct and an outstanding warrant. The three men will be arraigned at a later date.