An individual set a pride flag hanging outside of a restaurant on fire.
New York City Council Member Erik Bottcher (D) posted a video of the incident on Twitter with the caption, “Hate in SoHo: Last night this person set fire to the pride flag hanging outside Little Prince restaurant, causing the front of the restaurant to go up in flames.”
He added, “Anyone with info on this should call the Crime Stoppers tip line at 800-577-TIPS.”
Watch the video below:
Hate in SoHo: Last night this person set fire to the pride flag hanging outside Little Prince restaurant, causing the front of the restaurant to go up in flames. Anyone with info on this should call the Crime Stoppers tip line at 800-577-TIPS.
— NYC Council Member Erik Bottcher (@ebottcher) February 20, 2023
At 11AM we will re-hang the flag. pic.twitter.com/ydlXKGBJB1
The video shows the individual stepping outside of the car and walking up to the flag with a lighter.
After lighting the flag on fire, the individual returns to the vehicle.
CBS News reported the photo of the suspect and vehicle have been released by the NYPD.
The incident is reportedly under investigation as a possible hate crime, per CBS News.
The flag was set on fire around 1:30 a.m. Monday at Little Prince restaurant in Manhattan, New York City.
After police and fire departments were called, the fire was put out.
According to the report, the flag read, “Make America Gay Again.”
An employee of the restaurant told the outlet, “This restaurant has been here for over 10 years, and it’s always been a home that’s felt safe for people. So to be part of that community and have that happen is very upsetting and it feels very unsafe.”
Neighbor Stu Matz, who passes the restaurant regularly, explained to CBS News, “That flag has always been there, and it’s always been a nice, comforting thing I think to everyone in this neighborhood, because it means it’s a diverse and open neighborhood. And the fact that someone would burn that down is horrific.”
