Police in Poulsbo, Washington, have launched an investigation after Pride banners along Front Street were vandalized. At around 3:45 a.m. at the start of June Pride Month, an individual was caught on camera with a sharp object near the banners installed in the town of 12,000 across Puget Sound from Seattle. By morning, most of the 14 flags were slashed. Thanks to a community member’s kindness, the flags were stitched back together with pink yarn, allowing them to fly despite the damage. Poulsbo Pride which is only in its second year, is responsible for the banners. Poulsbo Police posted on Facebook that the suspect appeared tall, wearing a green jacket, baseball cap, full-face covering, black gloves, and wielding a long white pole with a cutting instrument. Due to the damage cost, the vandalism might be upgraded to a felony. In a statement, Poulsbo Pride expressed deep sadness over the vandalism of pride banners, which occurred just one day after a community gathering to celebrate the flying of Pride flags over City Hall. To recover from the damage, a GoFundMe account has been created to support Poulsbo Pride’s inclusive initiatives and has surpassed its $5,000 goal. The funds will support Poulsbo’s Pride in the Park festival.
