NEW YORK (AP) – A reward was offered Friday for information leading to the arrest of whoever burned seven American flags in Brooklyn this week.

The flags, including one hung by a couple after their son was killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, were burned in what police said was a case of criminal mischief.

Residents of seven homes woke up Thursday morning to find their flags torched, police said. Investigators said they believe the flag burning happened sometime overnight.

The $1,000 reward was offered by state Sen. Martin Golden.

“As we approach the celebration of our nation’s independence this July Fourth, some vandal has defied our freedoms, our rights and our liberties by setting fire to the American flag,” said Golden,. “Flag burning is something we will not tolerate in our neighborhood.”

Regina Coyle, whose firefighter son, James, died in the World Trade Center, stepped outside her house early Thursday to discover the flag reduced to ashes.

“I can’t believe someone would actually invade our personal space,” she said. “We lost so much. It’s the flag.”

Other residents said they found the vandalism equally upsetting.

“It was a little distressing that someone would light up a flag with what’s going on with the war,” said Andre Mahe, whose home also was targeted.

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