TEMPE, AZ — The Tempe Police Department is investigating after someone took down and burned a Pride flag that was hanging outside of Tempe City Hall.
A representative with the City of Tempe says they have already replaced the Pride flag and flagpole that was damaged after the flag was burned.
To commemorate Pride Month, which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, the city raised a Pride flag that has the City of Tempe logo on it at city facilities.
The flag was represented along with the American flag, the State flag, and a Juneteenth flag for the month of June.
The Pride flag was the only one damaged, according to the city representative.
“This act of aggression does not represent our community. Hate has no place in Tempe. We are committed to championing diversity, inclusion and equity and ensuring that our community is safe and welcoming for everyone,” said City Manager Andrew Ching.
The Tempe Police Department is looking to speak with anyone who might know anything about the incident. Call them at 480-350-8311.
"Both, as an organization and a community, we are appalled someone would target this symbol of unity, acceptance and belonging to the LGBTQ+ community,” said Phoenix Pride Spokesman Jeremy Helfgot.
For members of the organization, he says, the Pride flag represents inclusion and celebration, especially during Pride month.
"To see it abused, like that, is a horrible front. It's an act of ignorance and an act of hate,” added Helfgot.
ABC15 spoke with Tempe Vice Mayor Jennifer Adams, who says "It's hurtful to see these kinds of attacks on our community."
Adams is openly gay and proudly shows her pride for the LGBTQ+ community.
"We have one of the most-diverse councils in the state of Arizona. We are a welcoming community. This is not reflective of our community,” said Vice Mayor Adams.
The incident comes as the Human Rights Campaign, for the first time ever, declared a national state of emergency Tuesday for LGBTQ+ Americans who the campaign says are facing extremist attempts to roll back their rights.
For the first time ever, we're declaring a national state of emergency as LGBTQ+ Americans face extremist attempts to roll back our rights. It's more important than ever we have the necessary resources to stay safe no matter where we are. https://t.co/EcnZgqDDCp pic.twitter.com/q0axEWCM1N
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) June 6, 2023
