Windows smashed at LGBT businesses in Orlando that were the victims of vandals
ORLANDO, Florida. – A pair of Orlando businesses catering to the LGBTQ community were targeted by a vandal who smashed several windows before fleeing.
At around 3:41 a.m. Wednesday, a man was caught on CCTV footage near District Dive and Southern Craft in the 2400 block of South Street, according to police. Both businesses are located in the Southern Nights complex, which is an LGBTQ nightclub in its own right.
The video shows a man using an unknown object to break windows, investigators said.
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The man, who was wearing a hoodie and possibly carrying a bag, was last seen running west down South Street across Bumby Avenue.
“It’s a reminder of how hateful people can be,” said Blue Star, a staff member at Southern Nights.
Workers spent Wednesday boarding up windows and plugging holes left by the vandal.
Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan said it’s too early to tell if the vandalism is also a hate crime.
“That’s why it’s very important to apprehend a suspect and figure out what was on his mind, because in order to (convict someone) of a hate crime, you have to prove intent,” she said.
Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith released a statement about the vandalism. It says:
“The Orlando Police Department does not tolerate any criminal activity. Whoever committed this brazen act of vandalism against LGBTQ+ businesses in our city will be held accountable.”
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer also tweeted about the crime.
“It’s appalling to see the small businesses so loved by Orlando’s LGBTQ+ community being vandalized. These actions are unacceptable in our inclusive community,” the message says.
Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to call Orlando Police at 321-235-5300 or call Crimeline at 1-800-423-8477.
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texasstandard.news contributed to this report.
