‘Hit by hate’: Fort Lauderdale police search for suspect who left tire marks on Pride flag emblazoned crosswalk

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis denounced the act, calling it "stupid" and not welcomed in the city. Local news said the community was "hit by hate."

The progress flag crosswalk was painted and ervealed in mid-February.

Security footage showed a passenger recording the driver causing the damage, and police are now searching for both suspects, local news reports.

Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Lynn expressed concern about the incident and vowed to gather more information surrounding the vandalism.

A similar incident occurred in Delray Beach in 2021. The cost of repairing the damages to the mural is estimated at around $1,000.

The incident gathered attention online, with some arguing that incident was not hateful, as it was "literal tire marks on the road."

One user argued, "Even if you don’t agree with the flag being there, hitting a burnout deliberately (clearly shown) over it is in fact an act of defiance against the community. Likely driven by anger or outrage against what the mural stands for I don’t see how this ISN’T “a community hit by hate.”

Another user countered, "And if someone painted 'straight pride' on the road? What would happen?"

"It isn't 'hate'. It's 'sick and tired'. They aren't fighting against grown adults doing their thing, they're fighting against it being shoved into everything and calling it hate even if you simply disagree," they concluded.

Another commenter said, "Being indifferent and not actively supporting a political ideology does not equal hate. This is just an attempt to politically check mate opposition. Unfortunately people have been letting it work for too long…"

The Fort Lauderdale progress mural was repaired by a cleanup crew.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Jones at 954-828-5771 or call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.