Man accused of swearing at America, pulling knife during Cedar Rapids fireworks

Police said a Cedar Rapids man cussed out America and pulled a knife at the beginning of the fireworks show Thursday night.

According to Cedar Rapids police, officers were on foot patrol on the Second Avenue Bridge at 10:12 p.m., just as the fireworks were beginning. Police said as the Star Spangled Banner was playing, a fight broke out near the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Officers discovered that Aaron Secor, 28, had raised his middle finger in the air during the National Anthem and “swore at America,” according to Sgt. Cristy Hamblin. When others watching the fireworks asked him to quiet down, Secor allegedly continued to swear and pulled a knife.

Police said by the time they arrived on the scene, Secor had put the knife back in his pocket. He was arrested for disorderly conduct.