Police in Hunterdon County are looking for someone who stole or damaged nearly a dozen pride flags outside a Frenchtown home.
The incident occurred over two days, Sunday through Monday and Monday through Tuesday. It’s not clear who is responsible, but community members say they hope the culprits will be caught.
“This is a violation of our home, our space, our community,” says resident Grace Stearns Fiorito.
Stearns Fiorito has lived in Frenchtown for 15 years. She says this is the first time something like this has happened. Her house is one of her few that have had pride flags destroyed.
“Suddenly, I looked up and went upstairs and woke my husband and said, ‘Our pride flag is gone, the transgender flag is torn apart,'” says Stearns Fiorito. .
A flag outside the Harrison Street home was cut off, prompting the home’s owner to put up a sign reading “This is a hate crime.” They say the sign was also thrown into the Delaware River, along with the Black Lives Matter sign and flag of Pride.
“Hate begets hate and hate begets hate,” says resident Al Lee. “I feel people are gathering the courage to act and rant.
Frenchtown Mayor Brad Meir said police are asking residents with surveillance cameras to bring the video to the Frenchtown Police Department for review.
Hunterdon County Crime Stoppers offers rewards of up to $2,500 for information leading to an arrest.
Anyone with information should contact the Hunterdon County Attorney’s Office. 908-788-1129 or Frenchtown Police Department 908-996-4820.