OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY)-- A woman and her disabled son are hurt and disappointed that the American flag they hung up in front of their home in Opelousas was taken down and vandalized.

Kim Smith and her son BJ said their flag had only been hanging for a week before it was pulled down and the flag holder damaged. Uncertain if they were targeted or if it was a political act, the only thing they are certain about is feeling violated.

BJ, who suffered a brain injury years ago, said he takes pride in being an American and being able to show that. His mom said he's wanted to hang an American flag for a long time.

BJ says he "felt a discomfort," as if "someone took something" from him.

"It was very uncomfortable, feeling like, I can't hang my flag," BJ said.

Kim said she first thought the wind blew it down. It wasn't until she looked at the flag holder that she realized somebody had it almost off and that it was "deliberate."

"It's just it's very disappointing that at this time in our country, instead of people to come coming together in solidarity to want the best for the country, people are doing stuff like this," Kim said.

Both BJ and Kim said the incident shattered their sense of security, leaving them with the feeling of being vaulnable.

"I can understand being somebody being upset if I had a Trump sign on my house or Kamala Harris, somebody who was in opposition to our personal beliefs," Kim said. "But we are all Americans here. That flag belongs to all of us."

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