Update on 3/23/22: A spokesperson for the Music Center, the organization that manages Grand Park, tells L.A. TACO that the Gadsden Flag has been permanently removed from Grand Park at the direction of the county.
About a block away from Los Angeles City Hall, the Gadsden Flag, a polarizing symbol synonymous with far-right extremism and militias, flies proudly in Grand Park, a county-run public space in the middle of DTLA; ironically called “the park for everyone.”
Although the Gadsden Flag was once a symbol of the American Revolution, the bright yellow banner with a rattlesnake at its center above the words “Don’t Tread On Me” has recently been appropriated by members of far-right extremist groups like the proud boys. Over the past couple of years especially, the Gadsden Flag has flown prominently at anti-mask mandate and post-election protests.
Rosanne Boyland, a Qanon supporter, famously trampled to death while storming the capital on January 6, was seen earlier in the day clutching a Gadsden Flag attached to a pole, as were dozens of other attendees.