Those passing by the Adams County courthouse Thanksgiving may have noticed an unusual sight: the American flag flying upside down atop the flagpole. But officials with the Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten assures the public there’s no cause for alarm.

The Natchez Democrat reports that Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten said the incident was likely due to human error.

“We’re not under duress; nothing was vandalized,” Patten told The Democrat.

The flag is periodically replaced by the county maintenance department, which secures it in place with a locked mechanism accessible only to a few keyholders. While this system deters vandalism, it also complicated efforts to correct the issue over the holiday, as those with access to the key were out of town.

“The only key was locked up in the Chancery Clerk’s office,” Patten said.

To resolve the matter, Patten himself retrieved a key and adjusted the flag Thursday evening, ensuring it was properly displayed by 5 p.m.

Patten urged residents not to be concerned, reiterating, “It’s just human error.”