'Disgraceful': Vandals Shred Pride Flags Hanging In Burlington County Town

EVESHAM, NJ — Several Pride flags hanging on Evesham's Main Street were ripped down last weekend in what local officials called a "disgraceful" incident.

Overnight last weekend, several Pride banners hanging off streetlights were slashed and removed. Each banner said "LOVE is LOVE" over a rainbow background and had been placed along the street for Pride Month.

No suspects have been identified. Evesham Township police are investigating the incident.

Mayor Jackie Veasy and Township Council issued a joint statement supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

"Let us be clear," they said, "the acts against these banners is not just an attack on mere property, but an affront to the spirit of acceptance and support that we seek to foster in all aspects of life here in Evesham Township."

Veasy and council members called the vandalism "hateful, vile and outright cowardly."

"To those who were hurt or affected by this senseless act, please know that your township officials stand with you," officials said. "Our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all our residents remains unwavering."

Council Member Patricia Hansen said the actions "will not intimidate our community."

"This hateful act of intolerance has no place here nor does this mindset," Hansen said. "This incident serves as a reminder that hateful minds still exist and simply ignoring it actually enables this behavior."