HUDSON, Ohio — Police in Hudson have confirmed to 3News that they are investigating the burning of an LGBTQ Pride flag at a resident's home earlier this month.
Officers were called to a Colony Road house on June 11 amid a report that someone had burnt the homeowner's Pride flag while it was still mounted on the house. Hudson police say the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
One of the first to share the story was Rep. Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson) of the Ohio House of Representatives. On Friday, Weinstein posted a letter from the homeowner on his Facebook page.
"You and I both know this individual's criminal action is a direct response to the hateful and discriminatory rhetoric coming from many in the political sphere that have called for targeting individuals like myself and my partner," the homeowner wrote to Weinstein.
In the letter, the homeowner added that the burnt flag has been replaced and the new flag "will continue to fly through Pride Month."
In a joint letter to the community, Hudson Mayor Jeffrey Anzevino and Hudson City Council urged the city to unite together and pleaded for anyone with information on the flag burning to come forward.
Dear Hudson Community,
The Mayor and City Council are writing today to reflect our deep concern about a recent incident of hatred in our community. On June 11th, a Pride flag was taken off a resident’s house and burned at the home. This act of hatred is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
Hudson is a city that is built on mutual respect for all beliefs. We are a community that is proud to celebrate our differences and to welcome everyone with open arms. The burning of this Pride flag is a direct attack on our values and on our community.
We stand in solidarity with all who are targeted by hate crimes. We will continue to work to create a safe and welcoming environment for all residents, regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
We urge anyone with information about this crime to contact the Hudson Police Department at (330) 342-1800.
We also encourage residents to join us in standing up against hate and intolerance. We can all do our part to create a more inclusive and welcoming community for all.
Here are some ways you can help:
• Report any incidents of hate or discrimination to the police.
• Speak out against hate and intolerance whenever you see it.
• Educate yourself and others about the dangers of hate and intolerance.
Together, we can make a difference.
Sincerely,
The Hudson Mayor and City Council
