Video: American Flag Stolen At Columbus Welcome Sign, Replaced With Confederate Battle Flag

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A Confederate battle flag was flown over a “Welcome to Columbus” sign and city leaders took it down on Monday morning.

Someone called the mayor’s office to make sure the city was aware the battle flag was flying, instead of an American flag.

The welcome sign on Highway 82 eastbound normally has four American flags.

It’s unclear when one of the flags was taken down and replaced with Confederate emblem.

City leaders say the will prosecute anyone caught tampering with the welcome signs.

“If the individual or group of individuals are caught we can charge them with theft and trespassing, and we will look into installing cameras out here for the future,” said Columbus Mayor Robert Smith.

Another American flag was brought sign to the welcome to replace the one that was stolen.