MUDDY CREEK TWP — State police are downplaying the significance of an ISIS flag that was hanging from an overpass Thursday and visible to southbound traffic on Interstate 79 just south of Route 422.

The flag had a black background and red lettering that spelled out “ISIS.”

The flag was seen during the morning commute, but state police trooper James Long said on Friday that a trooper responded to a call about the flag Thursday evening.

Long did not know exactly which bridge the flag was hung from, but he said the trooper took the flag down.

He confirmed that it was an ISIS flag, but said troopers investigating the incident do not believe there is any danger.

“They're mass produced and you can buy them online,” Long said. “We don't suspect a (terrorist) cell or anything like that.”

He said Thursday's incident was not the first time troopers have responded to terrorism scares.

“All the way back to 9/11, a spray painting would pop up here or there,” Long said.

He stressed that there is no reason to worry, and that he suspects the flag was a prank.

“We have no reason to believe this is anything more than somebody putting up a flag for attention,” Long said.

He said the investigation is “technically” still ongoing, but troopers do not suspect actual terrorist activity in the area.