Attempted vandalism of Pride flag in Merced, police say

One metropolis assembly subordinate says Merced is transforming into a assemblage town, and that each residents should consciousness welcome.

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- An probe is underway aft reports that vandals targeted a Pride emblem raised successful the metropolis of Merced.

The emblem is present flying precocious successful Bob Hart Square.

Merced Police reported an attempted vandalism aft an LGBTQ+ Pride lawsuit connected Saturday.

Public Works crews secured the emblem and rod on-site.

Action News spoke to metropolis assembly subordinate Jesse Ornelas, who says helium heard astir an effort to chopped down the flag.

He calls it troubling, but not surprising.

"You could look each implicit societal media astatine the Merced-related pages and spot the hatred that they person for this community," Ornelas said. "I deliberation remaining committed to making definite that they information of these young radical that are successful this assemblage is the focus, and I'm blessed to bash so."

Action News captured the metropolis installing cameras to show the tract of the emblem pole.

One metropolis assembly subordinate says Merced is transforming into a assemblage town, and that each residents should consciousness welcome.