Vandalised trans pride sidewalk investigated as hate crime

“As vandals targeted these specific crosswalks there are reasonable grounds for police to suspect a hate-motivated crime.”

Vandalism

A 'trans pride' walkway in Calgary has been vandalised. Source: Twitter

Two LGBTIQ+ sidewalks in Calgary, Canada have been vandalised, with local police saying the incidents are being investigated as possible hate crimes.

The sidewalks, one painted with the trans flag, the other with the pride flag, were spray painted with the words 'lost' and 'lust' respectively.

According to , Calgary police said there were "reasonable grounds for police to suspect a hate-motivated crime.”

“Police are investigating and canvassing the area for CCTV footage and witnesses," their statement continued.
Sean Somers, who works for the City of Calgary, said the vandalism was disappointing, particularly given the city's Pride week celebrations are approaching.

“As a city, we’re better than that,” he told CityNews.

There was a positive end, however, with both walkways being promptly restored to their former glory.

“I was a little disappointed but not caught off guard because we were prepared for any of this to happen,” Somers said.

"We already have somebody that’s almost there. We have the materials in our warehouse," he added, saying the city had stocked up on the necessary paint colours ahead of time.

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Published 15 August 2019 1:45pm
By Samuel Leighton-Dore

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