Columbus, Ohio, was forced to retract an announcement claiming its City Hall would raise the flag of Somalia. The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department had posted on social media, referencing the "unification of the Trust Territory of Somaliland and the State of Somaliland into the Somali Republic in 1960" and stating that "City Hall will be raising the flag of Somalia." The post, which included a graphic of the Somali flag, has since been deleted.
Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno, a Republican, criticized the announcement, stating on X, "There is only one nation's flag that should ever be flown on American government buildings or property." He added, "This action by Columbus is a total disgrace and takes away from the epic celebration on Saturday of this country's 250 year celebration." Somalia Independence Day is observed on July 1, while the United States will mark its 250th anniversary on July 4.
Stephen Miller, deputy chief of staff for policy under former President Donald Trump, also commented on the post via X, noting, "Columbus, Ohio raising the flag of Somalia for America 250." Ohio State Rep. Brian Stewart, a Republican, suggested the post was "one more way in which we encourage the refusal to assimilate," and questioned the need to celebrate Somalia's independence given the number of Somali refugees taken in by the U.S.
Columbus has the second-largest Somali community in the United States, with over 60,000 Somali residents, according to WBNS. Texas Rep. Brandon Gill, a Republican, also voiced criticism on X, highlighting the contrast between the upcoming U.S. anniversary and the city's planned Somali flag raising.
A spokesperson for Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, Jennifer Fening, stated that the social media post was "created by a city department falsely stated that City Hall would raise the Somalian flag in recognition of Somali Independence Day." Fening added, "While the City recognizes and respects the aspirations of people around the world to live in freedom, this post was inaccurate and has been deleted."
It remained unclear why the post was initially made. A Somali flag was reportedly not visible on City Hall as of Wednesday afternoon. Last year, Columbus City Hall was illuminated in blue to honor Somalia's flag during Somali Independence Day celebrations. No events were scheduled at City Hall this year to commemorate the country. In 2021, a flag-raising ceremony was held on the grounds of the Ohio Statehouse, following a lighting ceremony at Columbus City Hall, an event that included Ohio State Rep. Dontavius Jarrells, a Democrat.
