NYPD continues investigation into Brooklyn Bridge white flag mystery

BROOKLYN BRIDGE (WABC) -- Despite receiving hundreds of leads into the Brooklyn Bridge flag swap, the NYPD is asking for more. Police would now like to speak to anyone who was on the bridge or took video of it between 3 and 4 Tuesday morning.

Detectives from six commands are now on the case.

NYPD Deputy Commissioner John Miller personally joined the inspection, just before noon on Friday.

Miller and ESU officers climbed the bridge's horizontal main cable on the Manhattan side.

They slowly walked up to the top and then inspected the top of the tower.

Miller said the group was further documenting the actual crime scene, as well as giving the members of the squad actually doing the investigation a firsthand look.

a $5,000 reward is being offered by a private Brooklyn resident for apprehension of any suspects in the white flag mystery, according to Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.

"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.