In a divisive move, the Democrat-led town council in Wethersfield, Connecticut, faced backlash after voting against flying the Thin Blue Line flag to honour fallen Trooper Aaron Pelletier, opting for the LGBT rainbow flag instead.
In Wethersfield, Connecticut, the Democrat-led town council has ignited controversy by voting against a motion to fly the Thin Blue Line flag to honor Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who was killed in the line of duty. Pelletier died last week after being struck by a suspect high on cocaine and fentanyl during a traffic stop on a state highway. The motion to fly the flag failed by a vote of 5-3, with council members citing the flag’s association with claims of racism.
Instead, the council opted to fly the LGBT rainbow flag at half-mast, aligning this decision with its commitment to fly the flag throughout June for Pride month. This decision was defended by Emily Zambrello, a Democrat council member, who described the Thin Blue Line flag as “antagonistic” and linked its prevalence to the Black Lives Matter protests, which gained momentum following George Floyd’s death in 2020.
The decision has led to significant backlash, both online and among local residents. Prominent figures, including Texas Senator Ted Cruz and social media commentator Libs of TikTok, criticized the council’s choice, labeling it as “ridiculous” and “disgraceful.”
Governor Ned Lamont, a Democrat, attended a Pride ceremony on Tuesday where the rainbow flag was flown at half-mast in Pelletier’s honor. Pelletier’s widow, Dominique, delivered an emotional tribute at his funeral on Wednesday, calling her husband a “man of integrity and honor.” The service witnessed participation from hundreds of mourners and a 20-mile procession.
Alex Oyola-Sanchez, the suspect involved in the incident, has been charged with multiple offenses, including 2nd degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle and operating while intoxicated. He is currently held on a $5 million bond.
A GoFundMe campaign for Pelletier’s family has raised nearly $575,000 to support his widow and two young sons.
