NAPLES, Fla. — An upside-down, half-staff flag flies in the front yard of John Jenkins home.
He says it’s in protest of the mass shootings that have impacted the United States.
“If my flag has to be lowered at half-mast for innocent civilians being killed at the hands of weapons of war, my flag will remain upside down at half-mast.”
His home is located in a community right off of Riverview Road in Naples. It’s filled with well-manicured yards, and it’s quiet.
But, his neighbors are loud and clear about this display of the flag.
Hank Wessel says he lost his temper when he first noticed it. He tells FOX 4 that freedom of speech is important, but he says there are better ways to take a stand.
“Desecrating the American flag, which stands for millions of Americans that have died for millions in previous wars defending our country…I don’t think that’s right, and there should be a law against it.”
Jenkins says he’s personally tied to those who serve.
“I was a military police officer. I have a concealed carry permit. I have a 9mm. I don’t want to take anyone’s guns away. But this is the U-S-A. And weapons of war have no business on our streets killing our civilians”, Jenkins tells FOX 4.
While most of the neighbors we spoke with disagreed with Jenkins’ stance, we spoke with woman who supported
Not all of Jenkins’ neighbors disagree with his stance.
Suzan Wharton says she supports him.
“I guess I’m kind of surprised that anyone would take offense to what someone does on their private property. I think that is his right”, she tells FOX 4.
It is not a crime to fly your flag this way.
John Jenkins says he believes the mass shootings are tied to mental health challenges, and he’d like to see more done to address those who need it.
He says the flag will remain the way it is until the period of mourning for the those who recently died in Odessa, Texas ends.
