‘Hate has no place in our community,’ SLCPD investigating burned Pride flags

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department is investigating the vandalism of Pride flags after a homeowner found their flag torn down and burned Monday morning. The SLCPD said at least five flags have been vandalized in the area.

In a press release, the SLCPD said investigators were looking for information about anyone who may be involved with the vandalism.

Police said the incident Monday happened early, around 1 a.m., at a home near 850 South and Washington Street.

Now, police are asking anyone in the area with security cameras to check to see if they caught any footage of the vandal or vandals.

Anyone with information can call the SLCPD at 801-799-3000.

Not the first incident of Pride flag vandalism

In early June, several residents of a Holladay neighborhood reported their Pride flags stolen.

Police caught three teens with the stolen flags in their car and reunited most of the flags with their owners. Authorities referred the teens’ cases to juvenile court.

Last week, two homeowners in Utah County reported vandalism of their Pride displays.

KSL TV reported Saturday that vandals partially dismantled one Lindon homeowner’s display while another homeowner had a firecracker thrown at her while she was gathering her burned Pride flag. 

In the press release shared Monday, the SLCPD highlighted the importance of reporting and investigating hate crimes.

“The effects of a hate crime can be devastating and long-lasting for both the individual victim and the larger community,” read the press release.

In a Tweet about the investigation, the SLCPD added that “Hate has no place in our community.”

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