U.S. Naval Academy Graduate Charged with Hate Crime for Ripping Down LGBTQ+ Pride Flag
A U.S. Naval Academy graduate has been charged with a hate crime for ripping down a tattoo shop’s LGBTQ+ pride flag and putting it in the trash, according to Annapolis police.
Incident Details
Charlie Garrett, co-owner of the Dapper Dog Tattoo Shop, reported to police that the store had been vandalized for the third time. The pride flag, which reads “ABIDE NO HATRED,” was removed from above the shop’s awning and thrown away.
Security Camera Footage
Closed-circuit video footage showed a man in a black puffer-style vest walking towards the store at approximately 1 a.m. Friday, before he “forcefully ripped” the flag from above the shop’s awning. The man was then seen putting it into a trash can.
Charges and Defense
The suspect, a Dallas resident and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, was charged with a hate crime and malicious destruction of property. His attorney, Caroline Norman Frost, claims that her client has no hate towards any person or protected class, and that this is a misunderstanding that will be cleared up when the case is complete.
Identification and Arrest
A woman who worked at a nearby restaurant contacted authorities after recognizing the suspect from a social media post by the tattoo shop. She provided police with the man’s name and credit card receipt, leading to his identification and arrest.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the importance of protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It also serves as a reminder that hate crimes can have serious consequences and can affect not only the individual targeted but also the broader community.
FAQs
Q: What was the motive behind the incident?
A: The motive behind the incident is unclear, but it is believed to be a hate crime.
Q: What were the charges against the suspect?
A: The suspect was charged with a hate crime and malicious destruction of property.
Q: What was the response of the suspect’s attorney?
A: The suspect’s attorney claimed that her client has no hate towards any person or protected class, and that this is a misunderstanding that will be cleared up when the case is complete.
Q: How was the suspect identified?
A: The suspect was identified by a woman who worked at a nearby restaurant, who recognized him from a social media post by the tattoo shop.
