The recent vandalism incident at a downtown Missoula business involving the destruction of Pride flags has sparked concern and outrage among the community. This is not the first time that pride murals, sidewalks, or flags have been vandalized in cities like Spokane, Fresno, Chicago, and Boise.
In this case, three Pride flags were damaged at Import Market in Missoula. The Missoula Police Department confirmed that a police report was filed and an investigation is underway. Security camera footage showed a group of people grabbing the flags, tearing them up, throwing them in a trash can, and then urinating on them. Some are calling this incident a hate crime, although the ACLU of Montana will wait for the police investigation to be completed before making a determination.
Andy Nelson, the executive director of the Western Montana LGBTQ+ Community Center, strongly condemned this behavior and emphasized that it will not be tolerated in Missoula or Montana. He also highlighted that incidents like these underscore the need for support within the community. As the investigation progresses, updates on any charges filed by the police department will be provided. An extended interview with an Import Market employee, Madeline Stevenson, offers further insight into the incident.
