Plane Spotted Flying Swastika Over Coney Island, Long Island

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A plane flying a banner advertisement over Coney Island and parts of Long Island Saturday created an uproar among residents.

As 1010 WINS' Gary Baumgarten reported, once again residents were outraged to see a plane pulling a banner with a Swastika on it.

Listen to Plane Spotted Flying Swastika Over Popular New York Spots

The banner advertisement is part of a campaign by the International Raelian Movement to rehabilitate the Swastika, which the group said had a meaning of peace and love before it was adopted by the Nazis.

Councilman Mark Treyger, who represents Coney Island, told Baumgarten he was none to pleased about the ad.

"How they got clearance to fly this plane. Was there any kind of pre-screening, pre-clearance of what was going to be flown over," he said.

Treyger said regardless of the reason for the ad, it's still hurtful and offensive.

"I will not accept their twisted logic. And I am also going to speak out against sending chilling messages of fear and intimidation to residents," he said.

The group behind ProSwastika.org has flown the ad in years past as part of its "Swastika Day." This year, the group held "International Swastika Rehabilitation Week," which ran from July 5 to July 12, according to the website.

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