Vandals Burn LGBTQ Pride Flag In Bethel

Bethel CT

06 April, 2021

2:06 PM

Description

BETHEL, CT — The rainbow-colored LGBTQ pride flag which hung in front of Molten Java Café on Greenwood Avenue was found burned and placed by the front door of the business on Sunday morning, according to a Facebook post from the café. The police are reviewing security videos from neighboring businesses to see if they can get a bead on who committed the vandalism, said First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker. Captain Heather Burnes of the Bethel Police Department told Patch the agency has not officially classified the incident as a hate crime, but "hasn't ruled out that possibility." "It is being treated very seriously, and we will pursue anyone who is caught to the fullest extent of the law," the first selectman said. "I am disgusted by it. It is a form of political intimidation that has no place in a free society anywhere." Bethel resident and State Rep. Raghib Allie-Brennan said he was "confident that the actions of one or a few, does not represent the views of our town." "Being gay especially in a small town is not easy. Symbols like the pride flag have more meaning than just gay pride, it defines a community of acceptance and love," Allie-Brennan said. "This act of hate, although heartbreaking, serves as an opportunity for a conversation about acceptance and kindness." Wendy Cahill, the owner of Molten Java, has been in business for decades, according to Knickerbocker, "and is one of two registrars of voters, and works to ensure voting rights." "To have her business targeted like that, it makes me sick." Anyone with any more information is urged to contact the Bethel Police Department at 203-743-5500.