Investigation Initiated into Vandalism of Pride Flags at a Missoula Establishment

The investigation into a vandalism incident at a downtown Missoula business involving the vandalism of Pride flags continues. Missoula has now joined other cities like Spokane, Fresno, Chicago, and Boise where pride murals, sidewalks, or flags have been vandalized. The incident at Import Market involved three pride flags being vandalized.

The Missoula Police Department confirmed that the business filed a police report and an investigation is underway. Security camera footage showed a group of people grabbing the flags, ripping 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, stated that this behavior will not be tolerated in Missoula or Montana. He emphasized that incidents like these highlight the existence of hate and the community’s need for support. Updates on the incident and any charges filed by the police department will be provided as the investigation progresses. An extended interview with an Import Market employee, Madeline Stevenson, is available for further insight on the incident.