According to the police report, Pride flags at the Stonewall National Monument in New York City have been vandalized this week, which is a repeat of the damage that occurred during Pride Month last year.
According to an email from a spokesperson at the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Public Information (DCPI), the New York Police Department was notified on Friday morning that the flags at Christopher Park, which is a part of the Stonewall National Monument, had been removed.
According to the DCPI, flags were removed and destroyed at the site on Thursday night by an unidentified individual who then fled. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported and no arrests have been made yet. The investigation into this incident is currently ongoing.
On Friday evening, Council Member Erik Bottcher took to the X social media platform to share pictures of the Stonewall National Monument’s vandalism. The monument is the first of its kind to be dedicated to the history of the LGBTQ+ community.
The Pride flags in the photos were thrown on the ground and damaged, causing distress and concern for their significance. Onlookers were dismayed to see scraps of burned Pride flags scattered along the sidewalk, while several flags that usually line the perimeter of the monument were missing.
In a post on X, New York Mayor Eric Adams denounced the act of vandalism, stating that there is no room for hate in their city and nothing will alter that.
Adams declared their unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community and their celebration during Pride and throughout the year. They promised to always stand by their side and assured that justice would be served to whoever vandalized the Stonewall monument.
In June of last year, the Stonewall National Monument suffered repeated vandalism incidents, during the month dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ community. NBC News reports that numerous Pride flags and symbols have been targeted in similar attacks throughout the country in recent weeks.