An LGBT+ community centre in Las Vegas was vandalised in the early hours of Thursday, with a vandal spraying an anti-gay slur across the front door.
The LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada shared a photo of the graffiti, which features the message “FAG” written in black spray paint.
The centre confirmed that an individual “approached the entrance… and spray-painted a homophobic slur on the glass doors,” and said that CCTV of the incident had been handed over to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Victim of a hate crime for second time in months
It’s the second anti-gay attack in just months at the downtown Las Vegas centre.
Joe Oddo, Jr., president of the Governing Board, said: “I am saddened that The Center was the victim of a hate crime yet again.
“In June, on the eve of the anniversary of the Stonewall riots The Center was the victim of another alleged hate crime when an individual set fire to one of the palm trees at the entrance of the building resulting in permanent damage.”
He added: “While today we focus on what happened on the outside of our building, I am reminded of the amazing work that has occurred and continues to occur on the other side of that door that enhances the lives of the LGBTQ community here in Southern Nevada.”
Las Vegas police seek suspect and person of interest
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department shared the CCTV of the incident, and put out the call for a suspect, believed to be a light-haired white man aged 20-25, who was wearing black clothing.
Officers also released CCTV of the suspect meeting with another person of interest, a white man aged 20-25 who was wearing “brown pants and a camo baseball hat.”
Anyone with any information about this incident is urged to contact the LVMPD DTAC Patrol Investigations by phone at 702-828-4314. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 702-385-5555 or at crimestoppersofnv.com.