Flags dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ Pride Month were vandalized this week in New York City, near the Stonewall National Monument in Manhattan's Greenwich Village neighborhood. The incident, which occurred on Thursday night, involved the removal and destruction of 160 colorful flags in the area.
The New York City Police Department received a report early Friday morning about the missing flags from the park where the monument is located. Authorities stated that an unidentified individual removed and damaged the flags around 8 p.m. on Thursday before fleeing the location.
No injuries were reported, and as of now, no arrests have been made. The investigation into the vandalism is ongoing, according to the police department.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams condemned the act of vandalism, emphasizing that hate has no place in the city. He reassured the LGBTQ+ community of his support and vowed to bring the perpetrator to justice.
New York Attorney General Letitia James also expressed disgust at the vandalism, echoing sentiments shared by City Council member Erik Bottcher, who highlighted images of the damaged flags near the Stonewall monument and Christopher Park.
The Stonewall National Monument area, designated by President Barack Obama in 2016, holds historical significance as the site of the 1969 Stonewall uprising, a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ rights movement. The area, which includes the Stonewall Inn, is recognized as the first US national monument dedicated to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights.
Last June, the NYPD's Hate Crime Task Force investigated similar incidents during Pride Month involving damage to the Stonewall National Monument's flags. The recent act of vandalism serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ community in the fight for equality and acceptance.
