LGBTQ+ pride flags vandalized at Stonewall National Monument 3 times during Pride month

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During Pride month, the Stonewall National Monument experienced a distressing pattern of vandalism, with LGBTQ+ pride flags being damaged and torn down on three separate occasions. The incidents occurred on June 9, last Thursday, and most recently on Sunday, marking the third act of vandalism at this significant LGBTQ+ landmark. At present, no arrests have been made, and it remains uncertain whether the incidents are connected. The Hate Crimes Task Force of the New York Police Department is currently conducting an investigation.

On Sunday, authorities responded to a call around 8 a.m. and discovered approximately 33 pride flags broken and discarded on the ground. According to reports, a total of 68 flags, which accounts for almost a quarter of the displayed flags, suffered some form of damage. Steven Menendez, a volunteer at the park, expressed his concern about the prevailing hostility and animosity, stating that it is essential to counteract it with love, compassion, and acceptance.

Established in 2016, the Stonewall National Monument holds the distinction of being the first U.S. national monument dedicated to LGBTQ+ history. It encompasses a park located across from the Stonewall Inn, a historic bar where a group of patrons resisted a police raid on June 28, 1969, thereby catalyzing the contemporary LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Each year, the Stonewall rebellion is commemorated with pride marches held in various cities across the United States and around the world.

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• Stonewall National Monument
• Stonewall Inn
• New York Police Department
• LGBTQ+ Rights Movement
• Pride Marches
• Hate Crimes Task Force