Man Who Stole Flag From Downtown Buffalo Pleads Guilty

Just over four months after the flagpole in Niagara Square was vandalized and a Somalian flag was stolen, the man who was accused of the crime has pleaded guilty and now has admitted to the crime.

According to a press release from the Erie County District Attorney, Justin M. Eassa, a 34-year-old man from the Town of Tonawanda was in Buffalo City Court on Thursday, October 22, 2026, where he admitted to the crimes related to the flag stealing this summer.

Just two days before the Fourth of July, Eassa damaged the flagpole and stole a Somalian flag that was flying above Niagara Square in celebration of Somali Independence Day.

As Buffalo's primary community gathering place, Niagara Square is routinely the host of events and celebrations all year round. Several flags have been raised in Niagara Square to celebrate and honor all sorts of causes, including, but not limited to, the Irish, Italian, Ukrainian, and Greek flags. The American flag flies the highest in Niagara Square, and a second flagpole hosts other flags, and while several European nation flags have flown without incident, this African nation flag was vandalized and stolen by Eassa.

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Eassa, who admitted his guilt in open court in front of City Court Judge Erin Hart, has to return to court on Thursday, January 7, 2027, to be sentenced for his crimes. According to the District Attorney, Eassa faces a maximum of 364 days in jail, in addition to having to pay $462 in restitution to the City of Buffalo for the damage he caused to city property.

Unfortunately, the stolen flag has not been found or returned by Eassa.

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