Law enforcement officials are treating the act of vandalism as a potential hate crime.
The Incident
This week in Newberg, Oregon, a Pride flag was shot with a pellet gun shortly after being displayed in the window of a local library.
Investigation Is Ongoing
Police have chimed in to say that they are currently investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.
Not the First, Likely Not the Last
Unfortunately, this is not the first anti-LGBTQ+ attack during the first week of Pride month this June.
All Over the Country
There have been multiple instances of alleged anti-LGBTQ+ incidents across the entire country, only within the first few days.
A Closer Look
The Newberg Public Library shared photos of the alleged attack on social media sharing their disappointment, but that no one was injured.
A Possible Hate Crime
The Newberg-Dundee Police Department has said that the building did not show any other damage besides the window and the flag, but they are still treating it as a possible hate crime.
Under Investigation
Detective Robert Mitchell was not able to share if they believe the vandalism was done by only one person, or by a group of individuals.
The Mayor Speaks Out
The Mayor of Newberg, Bill Rosacker said, “The act was an attack on the citizens of Newberg and will not be allowed to pass without consequences”.
Confident They Will Find Justice
Continuing to add that “there is a very good chance” that their investigation will identify the assailants soon, and that “there are cameras everywhere”.
Off to a Rough Start
Since the start of Pride Month this June, there have been many attacks against the LGBTQ+ community and queer symbols such as the Pride flag.
Stolen Pride Flags
At the end of May, more than 200 Pride flags were stolen from the rotary center in a small town in Carlisle, Massachusets.
Vandalism on a Church
A queer friendly Methodist church was vandalized in Mitchell, South Dakota.
Hateful Language
The assailants wrote “ABOMINATION” in large red letters, accompanied with a bible verse that condemns homosexuality.
2023 Statistics
In 2023, there were over 145 recorded incidents of harassment, assault, and vandalism against LGBTQ+ people and Pride events, as recorded by GLAAD.
Community Remains Strong
President of GLAAD Sarah Kate Ellis, a LGBTQ+ media advocacy group, said “Attacks and threats on Pride symbols are meant to intimidate, harass, erase and silence LGBTQ people and our allies, but they are largely unsuccessful”.
Showing Solidarity
Sarah Kate Ellis continued, “More people are attending Prides, more companies are sponsoring Prides, more communities are organizing and hosting Prides because they are amazing ways to show solidarity and support for all in the community and especially to express a community’s values of welcome, safety, diversity and acceptance”.
Newberg’s Storied Past
Newberg Oregon is no stranger to controversial opinions. In 2021, they voted to ban Pride flags, Black Lives Matter signs and various other “political” statements from schools.
Slight Improvements
Thankfully, this policy was revoked in 2023.
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / The Great Vanzini.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
