SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah — A Utah state agency is threatening to remove a flagpole recently placed illegally atop a historic landmark on the shore of the Great Salt Lake.
The flagpole and attached American flag were placed on top of Black Rock in the days following the Sept. 10 shooting of Charlie Kirk on the campus of Utah Valley University, although one anonymous group takes credit for placing the flag in the spot in honor of Sept. 11.
Since being placed on Black Rock on the south side of the lake, the flag can be seen waving as drivers travel nearby on Interstate 80, and has been a popular photo spot for photographers.
However, in a social media post over the weekend, Utah Forestry, Fire and State Lands claimed the flagpole and flag were there illegally.
"Last week, an unpermitted flag pole was installed atop Black Rock at the Great Salt Lake," the statement reads. "The division is actively addressing the situation, determining appropriate next steps regarding the flag pole's placement. Law enforcement officials are currently investigating and are seeking public assistance with any information related to the incident."
The site, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is managed by the agency, which shared Monday that it is illegal to construct structures on state land without a permit.
"The issue is not about the flag but the flagpole that was installed into Black Rock. The division respects the desire to display the flag but needs to ensure it is done so in a proper and legal manner," the agency said in a statement. "This flag has generated a lot of public interest, and we appreciate the dialogue around it. We are working to find an appropriate solution while protecting the historical importance of the site."
