The NYPD is investigating a security breach after two flags bleached white mysteriously appeared on top of the Brooklyn Bridge where American flags typically fly.
The white flags, which are international symbols of surrender, were spotted Tuesday morning from poles on the stone supports that hold cables above the national landmark connecting Brooklyn with Manhattan.
Chopper 12 flew overhead as officers scaled the bridge to take down the flags. At least one of them appeared to have faint traces of stars and stripes.
Police say surveillance video from the bridge shows that a group of four or five people were seen crossing the bridge at around 3 a.m. Tuesday.
Officials say the vandals used aluminum pans to cover the tower lights on the bridge. At around 3:30 a.m., the lights on the Brooklyn side tower went out, and about 10 minutes later the lights on the Manhattan side tower went out.
The bridge is one of the most heavily secured landmarks in the city, and is constantly monitored by surveillance cameras. Many however are now wondering about security following this incident.
Police say as of now there is no particular connection to terrorism or politics. Deputy Police Commissioner John Miller spoke about the incident during a press conference, saying there is some indication of good pre-operational planning.
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams spoke at the bridge earlier on Tuesday, and is offering a $5,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest and conviction of those responsible for the act.