Police are searching for the person who scrawled hateful, threatening messages targeting the LGBTQ+ community outside Long Beach Pride’s administrative office near Rose Park.
The black-lettered vandalism included a Nazi symbol, MAGA and the f-word aimed at various LGBTQ+ groups. “All should die” and “go to hell” were also written on three sides of a utility box outside the nonprofit’s office at East 10th Street and Obispo Avenue.
The office serves as the hub for volunteers who organize the annual Long Beach Pride parade.
Long Beach Pride President Tonya Martin said crews discovered the vandalism Saturday morning, and city workers painted it over by Sunday morning.
“It’s very shocking, only because we live in such a great city,” Martin said.
Police confirmed they are treating the graffiti as “hate/bias motivated,” but no suspect description is available. Security camera footage failed to capture a clear image of the culprit, Martin noted.
About a year and a half ago, Martin said the office was also vandalized when someone hurled a “yogurt-like” substance at the front doors.
This year, the office has received “concerning mail” with “targeted” messages, which staff consistently turn over to LBPD for investigation.
Since the incident, Martin said she has received countless messages of support from both local and national leaders.
On Sunday, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn pledged \$2,500 to help Long Beach Pride upgrade and expand its security camera system.
“This was not just vandalism—it was a threat meant to terrorize the LGBTQ community,” Hahn said in a statement. “Long Beach Pride has been a beacon of love and acceptance for decades, and it is devastating to see them targeted with this kind of hate.”
Rep. Robert Garcia also condemned the attack, calling it an attempt “to intimidate us.”
“We will stay strong, even as hate and division is encouraged by many across our country,” he said.
State Sen. Lena Gonzalez, District 3 Councilmember Cindy Allen, and Mayor Rex Richardson echoed similar sentiments. Richardson emphasized, “Long Beach does not bend to hate.”
Martin said the organization will review camera upgrades this week. “The only thing we can do as a community right now is lean on each other and know that love always overcomes the fear,” she said. “Hate plus hate equals violence, and our world doesn’t need that right now. We need to go back and really focus on what makes us happy and that’s love; it’s that simple.”
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