Reward offered in Brooklyn Bridge white flag mystery
BROOKLYN BRIDGE (WABC) -- A $5,000 reward is being offered by a private Brooklyn resident for apprehension of any suspects in the white flag mystery over the Brooklyn Bridge earlier this week, according to Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.
Attention is still being focused on the two Brooklyn Bridge towers. Workers could be seen at the base of one flag pole on Thursday, the secured area that was breached two days ago.
"The bridge is a landmark and it is a target and by something like this happening, it is reigniting our energy without losing any bodies or anyone being injured, knowing we have to focus on security," Adams said.
That event began when the lights that illuminate the American flags on both towers suddenly went dark.
It wasn't until morning light on Tuesday that it was discovered: solid white flags had been run up the poles.
It was a brazen act city officials are calling a foolish stunt.
"This was an issue we have to take seriously and make sure that no one gets up there again to do anything," First Deputy Mayor Anthony Shorris said.
While city officials say they are installing additional cameras.
Adams says he would like see newer video technology installed on the bridge along with better lighting in higher security areas.
"My conversation with the 84 and police personnel that they will upgrade the level of security where it should be," Adams said.
Investigators say they are still looking for five men. Video of them is said not to be very clear, but progress identifying them is being made.
PHOTOS OF THE FLAGS ON THE BRIDGE:
Officers in patrol cars are stationed at both ends of the bridge, which is constantly monitored by surveillance cameras.
More than 120,000 vehicles, 4,000 pedestrians and 3,100 bicyclists cross the Brooklyn Bridge every day, according to the city's Department of Transportation, which maintains the bridge.
The flags fly from above the pillars year-round and are replaced by DOT workers when they become frayed, police said. They are lit from the bottom by a lamp at the base of each tower at night.
