WASHINGTON — Have you seen this man? He's wanted for vandalizing a political sign outside a gay bar in D.C. and a nearby bus stop early Saturday morning.
Officers with the Metropolitan Police Department are on the lookout for the suspect accused of vandalizing the Little Gay Pub on P Street in Northwest D.C. The incident, which took place on Saturday before 8:30 a.m., involved the man defacing property and spray-painting offensive language.
According to the police report, the man targeted both public and private property, leaving behind messages like “Harris = Hitler” and “Trump > Hitler” on the glass of a nearby Metro bus stop and on posters outside the bar. The MPD is investigating this act as potentially motivated by hate or bias.
The man was caught on surveillance cameras, and MPD is asking for the community’s help in identifying the person responsible. If you have any information, do not take action yourself. Instead, contact the police at (202) 727-9099 or send a tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. A reward of up to $1,000 is available for information leading to an arrest and indictment.
The MPD’s Special Liaison Branch, which focuses on hate and bias-related incidents, is involved in the investigation. While the MPD may designate this as a hate crime, it’s important to note that this doesn’t necessarily mean it will be prosecuted as one.
This vandalism serves as a stark reminder that, even in 2024, intolerance and hate haven't disappeared.
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