BOISE, Idaho — On June 20, the Boise Police Department responded to a report on Harrison Boulevard of damaged Pride flags displayed from light poles in the center of the road.
According to BPD, 18 flags were damaged, 19 flags were stolen, 36 flag poles were damaged and three flag poles were stolen.
"There's obviously a contingent of people in the state that feel that a rainbow flag is infringing upon their rights," said Erik Hagen, North End Neighborhood president, "And so, they'll take the effort and the time to go and take them down and destroy them."
Boise Police added that in the last month, the department has responded to three incidents involving Pride flags that line the center of Harrison Boulevard being damaged or stolen.
"I wouldn't say it's discouraging," Hagen said, "because that would be letting them win. It's sad that people feel the need to express themselves in this way by stealing and destroying property."
Liberating Spirit Metropolitan Community Church buys the flags for Boise Pride. The neighborhood association helps put them up since it has an agreement with the city.
"I'm sad for the people doing this," church elder Judy Cross said. "They're unable to embrace inclusiveness that the pride flag represents. And that's unfortunate that that's the way they feel."
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to call Ada County Dispatch at 208-377-6790.
Boise Pride sent KTVB a statement about the ongoing issue:
“Boise Pride condemns the recent acts of vandalism targeting the Pride flags hanging on Harrison Blvd. These malicious attacks are not only an attack on the LGBTQIA+ community but also an affront to the values of diversity, inclusion, and respect that our community holds dear.
The Pride flags symbolize the progress we have made toward equality and acceptance. They stand as a testament to the courage and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community. The repeated defacement of these displays is a stark reminder that there is still much work to be done to combat intolerance and hate.
We want to make it clear that such acts of vandalism will not be tolerated. Boise Pride, along with North End Neighborhood Association and other community members, are working closely with law enforcement to identify those responsible and to ensure they are held accountable for their actions.
To members of the LGBTQIA+ community: we stand with you and are committed to ensuring that our community remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone. Your voice, presence, and contributions are invaluable, and we will continue to fight for your right to live openly, authentically, and without fear.”
If you want to help, the best way is to donate to Boise Pride of the Metropolitan Community Church. Hagen said they need money to buy more flags, hardware and poles.
They are also working with the City of Boise to try and figure out how to get cameras up in the trees, he said.
"Our community is getting tighter because of this," Hagen said. "People not just here in Harrison, [but] throughout the whole North End, throughout the whole city. We're getting messages of support asking how they can help, and that's promising to see."
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:
Download the KTVB News Mobile App
Apple iOS: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Watch news reports for FREE on YouTube: KTVB YouTube channel
Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.
Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download.