Authorities Charge Motorist Over ‘Burnouts’ On LGBT ‘Pride Crosswalk’

The rainbow flag meant to evoke pride among those who prioritize their LGBT identity has been displayed prominently in a host of settings across the United States — including the White House — in recent years.

One common place for such displays has been on the surface of roads in various cities, such as Delray Beach, Florida. These painted crosswalks have drawn backlash, however, and police say one 19-year-old driver intentionally damaged one with his truck earlier this month.

Dylan Brewer allegedly made a left turn onto Northeast 2nd Avenue in Delray Beach on Feb. 4, revving his engine and leaving tire marks on the rainbow-painted pavement.

In a statement this week, the local police department cited witnesses who “reported that Brewer was observed intentionally performing multiple burnouts with his vehicle over the LGBTQ pride crosswalk.”

Authorities accused the teen of engaging in “reckless action” that “caused significant damage to the streetscape painting, which serves as a symbol of unity and inclusivity for the LGBTQ community.”

After Brewer surrendered to police on Monday, he was charged with a felony count of criminal mischief, one count of damaging property over $1,000, and a misdemeanor reckless driving count. He was able to post a $5,250 bond early Tuesday.

Police made it clear that this incident was a priority, asserting: “Law enforcement actively worked the case for more than a week. We received multiple reports from concerned citizens who witnessed Brewer engaging in these destructive acts. Several witnesses provided smartphone video of the crime.”

The social media response to this story and similar prior incidents elsewhere across the country have revealed that many Americans lack sympathy for the LGBT activists who claim damaging the “pride flag” constitutes a hate crime.

Nevertheless, the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council reacted to this case with exactly such a demand.

“I think a big problem with our judiciary who doesn’t understand hate crimes are hate crimes, whether or not they fit the specific definition of the law,” complained Rand Hoch, the council’s founder, and president, adding: “There needs to be consequences so people know if they commit crimes like this, they are going to jail, they are going to be fined, they are going to have to suffer from what they did. Right now, we don’t seem to have it.”