Police investigate burning of Pride Flag as possible hate crime in Kaysville

KAYSVILLE – On the second day of Pride Month, police are investigating a possible hate crime after a rainbow Pride flag supporting the LGBTQ+ community was burned and a derogatory note left behind. 

Kaysville police were called to a home on the west side of the city around 4:45 a.m. Thursday to reports of the flag being cut from a homeowner’s flagpole and set on fire in the street. It was originally a simple criminal-mischief call for responding officers but things quickly changed. 

Pride flag burning turns into possible hate crime 

“With the note that was left behind, it was very clear that there was some discrimination going on for the LGBTQ community,” said Kaysville Officer Lexi Benson. “So, this is going to be investigated as a hate crime.”

pic.twitter.com/bJE05QV3co

— Kaysville Police (@KaysvillePolice) June 3, 2021

Benson said the note had several Bible scriptures condemning the LGBTQ+ community, as well as other derogatory terms. She said they don’t see many possible hate crimes in Kaysville.

“We have a lot of people that are part of the LGBTQ community, and it’s hard to see other people’s property being destroyed for having different beliefs from someone else’s,” said Benson.

June is Pride Month! We are proud to support the LGTBQ community! 🏳️‍🌈 pic.twitter.com/btvf7Xgcay

— Kaysville Police (@KaysvillePolice) June 1, 2021

Not a one-time occurrence 

This is not the first time a Pride flag was removed in 2021. A video from Ridgeline High School showing a student cutting down a Pride flag during Diversity Week went viral in April. Two Kearns High School football players were suspended last year for posting a video of someone burning a Pride flag. 

Kaysville police are asking anyone who might have seen anything suspicious to give them a call at 801-497-7082 or email Detective J. Nicholas at jnicholas@kaysvillecity.com.

The victim is requesting privacy at this time.