Police investigating after pride flag burned at Tempe City Hall

TEMPE, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) - The City of Tempe has replaced a pride flag that was recently taken down from a flagpole outside of city hall and burned. Now police are investigating the vandalism.

“This act of aggression does not represent our community. Hate has no place in Tempe,” said City Manager Andrew Ching. “We are committed to championing diversity, inclusion and equity and ensuring that our community is safe and welcoming for everyone.”

In celebration of Pride Month, the City of Tempe flies a pride flag with the City of Tempe logo at all city facilities. This flag is flown along with the American, State of Arizona, and Juneteenth flags. However, some city officials believe the vandalism was intentional. “They broke the lock only. They only took pride flag down, very personal, and they burned it and the other flags were left,” said Tempe Vice Mayor Jennifer Adams.

Others echo the vice mayor’s concerns. “The fact that people can’t take 30 days out of the year to celebrate the differences between us is disheartening,” said Brennon Wilcox. “I think people are showing their pros and cons for the movement,” added Kelly Yeatman.

Adams, the first lesbian elected to the Tempe City Council, says this is one piece of a bigger puzzle. “It was disturbing. There is definitely an attack in this country right now and the LGBTQ community, and it demonstrates that’s happening even in Tempe, the most inclusive city in the state of Arizona,” she explained.

On Tuesday, the City of Tempe announced the flagpole was repaired, and the flag was replaced. “The flags set a reminder it doesn’t hurt anyone to have these flags out,” said Brianna Bessler.

Tempe police have not yet commented on the investigation. The City of Tempe released the following statement:

The City of Tempe has replaced a Tempe Pride flag that was taken from the flagpole at Tempe City Hall and burned. The damaged flagpole has also been repaired.
The vandalism is under investigation by Tempe Police Department.
June is Pride Month, which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community. One way the City of Tempe commemorates this month is by flying a Pride flag that has the City of Tempe logo on it at city facilities. The flag is joined by the American flag, the State of Arizona flag and a Juneteenth flag for the month of June.
No other flags were damaged.
"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.
A new Tempe Pride flag is already flying.
“Cities are great because of the people who live in them,” said Tempe Mayor Corey Woods. “We will not stand by while someone tries to threaten, bully and intimidate members of our community. We will continue our efforts to make our city stronger, even more welcoming, and even more inclusive. We support our LGBTQ+ community. We stand as one with them.”
City of Tempe

Tempe police are wanting to speak with anyone who may know something. They’re asking you to call 480-350-8311.

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