Hate Crime Against LGBT Community Center in Greenwich Village

Glennda Testone, executive director of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center in New York, issued the following statement on Wednesday in the aftermath of a hate crime perpetrated on the Center:

"This morning our building staff arrived and discovered a burned rainbow flag hanging on one of the poster display cases outside our building. We called the NYPD, and they immediately dispatched detectives from the hate crimes unit and our local precinct. They are currently investigating the crime."

"We at the Center will not stand for anyone who thinks they can come into our community and try to intimidate us. We work hard to create a safe environment and provide a safe space for all LGBT New Yorkers. Hate and intolerance against us will not be accepted in New York, and it is so important the Center is a safe space in our city. It is sad that such incidents still happen in this day and age, but we appreciate the NYPD and especially the hate crimes unit doing everything they can to ensure the safety of all LGBT people in New York."

"We as a community must stand strong and together in the face of these hateful incidents, and while we did capture an image of the perpetrator on our surveillance camera, we are asking anyone who has additional information about this crime to contact the police directly at 1-800-577-TIPS"