Searching for suspected Pride flag vandal

Police are looking to put a name to a face after a security camera showed a man ripping down a pride flag from outside the First Congregational Church of West Tisbury Saturday evening.

The church's pastor, Rev. Cathlin Baker, told The Times that the incident happened on the first day of Pride Month. Worshipers arriving Sunday morning found the rainbow-striped flag, a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and social movements, on the steps outside the church.

Baker said security cameras were installed after church pride protests caused controversy several years ago. She said the church has flown a pride flag for more than five years.

West Tisbury police released a photo from security camera video Sunday. It shows a man wearing what appears to be a white Quiksilver brand t-shirt.

Baker said the Pride flag was torn down so aggressively that it bent the material, which now had to be replaced. She said the video shows the man looking directly at the camera and using crude gestures and language.

“I think people are saddened by his actions. It’s just a reminder of the hatred, fear and discrimination that the LGBT community regularly experiences,” she said.

“Our message is pretty clear: God loves everyone, so we feel like we're hoping for a change of heart and mind (from the alleged vandal) on this, you know?” she added.

For now, his church has requested a police presence outside.

“Especially in the coming weeks,” she said, “we will be hosting different events for LGBTQ church members, as well as friends and family in the community.”

She said she called law enforcement in part because an FBI alert sent across the country recommended increased vigilance during Pride month.

West Tisbury Police Lt. Matthew Gebo confirmed the incident is under investigation.

Baker said the Pride flag is important to his congregation.

“We have been an open and affirming church for almost 10 years now,” she said. “We view the pride flag of progress – the rainbow flag – as our welcome mat, you know? He says all are welcome here, especially members of the LGBTQ community who may not have felt welcome in churches in the past.