CARLISLE – Investigators in Carlisle are asking neighbors and businesses to review surveillance video and come forward if they know who vandalized the city’s downtown pride display.
“Here in the Carlisle community it is an inclusive community and we want everyone to feel safe and welcome here. We are taking this very seriously and are investigating it to the best of our ability,” said Police Chief Andrew Amendola.
More than 200 rainbow LGBTQ flags were stolen Sunday night, just days after they were carefully placed. There was a permit to display the flag.
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“There is no way of knowing if they were people within our community or people just driving through. This is not the first time this has happened in this community over the years, and it has only led to people came out in large numbers,” Margot Morse said.
Replacing flags in time for the festival
“That was disappointing, but I think the biggest story here is how much the community came out. There was just a resounding sense of, no, we’re not going to let you take down our flags,” said Rachel Freed, at the Carlisle Public. School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee.
They were quickly replaced in time for the planned pride festival Friday afternoon.
“I saw a lot of people having fun and all the flags really reminded me of all the love and peace in the world and it really made me happy,” said 10-year-old Hazel.
The large turnout, a powerful statement that reinforces what the flag stands for.
“It’s mostly about love and how you can love whoever you want and it doesn’t matter to you. You can love whoever you want,” said 8-year-old Sydney.
July McDonald
