A Pride flag displayed in the Newberg public library in Oregon was targeted in a BB gun attack, raising concerns of bias against the LGBTQ+ community amidst a backdrop of increasing anti-LGBTQ+ actions nationwide.
On June 7, 2024, a Pride flag displayed in the window of the Newberg public library in Newberg, Oregon was targeted in a BB gun attack. The Newberg-Dundee police department reported that a BB gun was fired at approximately 7:10 p.m., shattering the protective glass behind which the flag was hung. The original 1912 window glass remained intact.
Following the incident, police expressed concerns that the attack was motivated by bias against the LGBTQ+ community. By Friday, police had identified and arrested a juvenile suspect, who allegedly acted alone. The case has been referred to the Yamhill County juvenile department.
Newberg Mayor Bill Rosacker condemned the act as an attack on the community. He emphasized the town’s commitment to equal treatment for all people and underscored the library’s role in protecting free speech.
This incident occurred during Pride month and amid a rise in anti-LGBTQ+ actions across the United States. Other related incidents include the defacement of a rainbow-colored crosswalk in Bend, Oregon, and the theft of over 200 Pride flags in Carlisle, Massachusetts. Additionally, there has been a reported increase in discriminatory legislation nationwide.
The rising number of such incidents comes as public support for LGBTQ+ rights appears to be declining, according to a March poll by the Public Religion Research Institute. This year alone, over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced across the country, as noted by the American Civil Liberties Union.
