Motorcyclist defaces Pride flag on Boynton Beach road, say police.

Vandalism acts against the LGBTQ community continue to rise, and the latest incident occurred in Boynton Beach on June 2. A Pride flag painted at the corner of Ocean Avenue and Southeast First Street was vandalized, according to local authorities. The flag now has skid marks on it, indicating that someone did donuts on the street art.

Security camera footage revealed that the culprit responsible for the act rode a motorcycle. Unfortunately, the footage neither provides enough details about the vehicle nor the offender. Police said the person responsible could be charged with criminal mischief.

This is not the first time that a Pride flag on a South Florida street has been vandalized. Last year, a man pleaded guilty after defacing an LGBTQ Pride crosswalk shortly after it was unveiled in Delray Beach. In February 2021, an LGBTQ+ Pride mural located on a Fort Lauderdale road was also vandalized.

These acts of vandalism have raised concerns in the LGBTQ community, and activists are pushing for more significant action to protect public art displays celebrating Pride Month. The community has long suffered discrimination, and such acts of vandalism further marginalize them.

The incident happened near the intersection of Southeast First Street and Ocean Avenue. It is not clear whether the city of Boynton Beach will repair the vandalism or not. The Pride flag has been a powerful symbol of the LGBTQ community, conveying messages of love and solidarity. Vandalism against it sends a disconcerting message to the community and anyone who cares about it.