Backlash is mounting in Buffalo after Mayor Sean Ryan faced criticism over two controversial decisions in quick succession — canceling a city-sponsored Fourth of July fireworks display and then allowing a Somali flag to be raised at City Hall days later.
Critics say the contrast struck a nerve as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
WKBW reported:
Erie County GOP Leader Michael Kracker and Republican Congressman Nick Langworthy questioned the city for allowing the Somali flag to be flown. They also criticized Mayor Sean Ryan for not holding a city-sponsored fireworks show to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
ADVERTISEMENTNiagara Square has two flagpoles. One always flies the American flag. The second was dedicated in 1986, when it was presented by the Amvets to then-Mayor Jimmy Griffin, and it was originally meant to fly the Canadian flag. Since then, it has been rotated for other flags.
Ryan addressed the complaints on Friday.
“They have intentionally politicized the fact that a Somali flag was hung on Niagara Square on July 1st as it has been for several years,” Ryan said.
There was plenty of backlash brewing on social media as well:
USA 250: Three days ago Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan (D-NY) raised the Somali flag outside city hall to honor their independence. Ryan cancelled the fireworks show on July 4th explaining, "We're already doing one August 2nd". WTAF?!? pic.twitter.com/3ccg7IH7Pj
— @amuse (@amuse) July 4, 2026
Buffalo cancelled their fireworks, but they have money for Somali flags. pic.twitter.com/7SVcAISARS
— John K. Amanchukwu Sr. (@REVWUTRUTH) July 4, 2026
The DSA/Communists running the Democrat Party are cancelling anything and everything possible related to the 250th 4th of July out of pure hatred for America.
This is the Democrat Party in 2026. https://t.co/KEllF9cXjY
— Tom Slocum for Texas 🇺🇸 (@slocumfortexas) July 4, 2026
Tensions escalated further after the flag was removed in what officials described as an act of vandalism.
According to the New York Post:
A Somalian flag that was raised outside of Buffalo’s City Hall to commemorate Somali Independence Day was stolen in an overnight heist, the city’s leftist mayor decried.
ADVERTISEMENT“The City of Buffalo’s flagpole in Niagara Square sustained damage after unknown vandals broke the access panel, cut the cable, and removed the Somali flag during the overnight hours of Wednesday, July 1,” Mayor Sean Ryan wrote on Facebook.
Ryan said the Buffalo Police Department was investigating the alleged vandalism after the city approved non-profit HEAL International to raise the white star, blue flag on July 1.
“The flag had been raised by an organization called Heal International in honor of Somalian Independence Day. Heal International has been raising the Somali flag at Niagara Square for at least the last four years,” Ryan said.
The mayor quickly condemned the act, while critics argued the situation reflects broader frustrations over how city leaders are choosing to mark national holidays.
A similar controversy has also surfaced in other major cities:
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu disgracefully ordered the American flag 🇺🇸 taken down from City Hall Plaza just so they could raise the Somali flag for Somali Independence Day, right in the middle of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
U.S. flag code is crystal clear: NOTHING… pic.twitter.com/xZZMexolP7
— ❥❥❥ᗰoᒪᒪie❥❥❥ (@mollie_don) July 3, 2026
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