A Democrat-run town in Connecticut refused to fly the “thin blue line” flag to honor a state trooper who was killed in the line of duty.

Members of the Wethersfield Town Council voted against flying the “thin blue line” flag in a 5 to 3 vote, saying that the flag had “white supremacist” and “antagonistic” ties.

“That flag was either created or at least became prevalent in direct response to the Black Lives Matter protests,” Democratic Councilmember Emily Zambrello said. “It’s viewed as antagonistic even if you don’t see it that way and I don’t think that’s a good flag to fly, especially not without further discussion.”

Ken Lesser, the Mayor of Wethersfield, also claimed the flag represented racism.

“It is now being used by white supremacist groups and other far-right types of groups,” Lesser said. “And even many police departments around the country and in Connecticut have said that ‘we don’t authorize to use that flag’.”

The dispute started after Republican Council Member Rich Bailey suggested the town raise the “thin blue line” to honor Connecticut State Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier after he was killed in a routine traffic stop.

The thin blue line is reportedly a symbol that represents the police officers who separate order from chaos.

“The thin blue line flag is flown to show support for our heroes in law enforcement and serves as a consoling reminder they will always be there to protect us,” the Thin Blue Line USA website notes. “For those who walk it, the thin blue line is a reflection of courage, a pledge of brotherhood and a tribute to those who have fallen in the line of duty.”

Republican Councilmember Brianna Timbro said that she is “incredibly disheartened with this situation.”

“There were so many ways this could have been handled and the way it was, in my opinion, is not only disrespectful to TFC Aaron Pelletier and his family but law enforcement across our nation.”