Pride Flag Torn Down At Wayne Church, Police Have Video

WAYNE, NJ — Parishioners left services the morning of Oct. 31 to find that someone tore down the Grace United Presbyterian Church's Pride flag. Police unveiled a video Tuesday related to the incident, which they called a bias crime.

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The video shows someone tearing the flag down from the marquee at 9:41 a.m. Oct. 31. The suspect wore a dark-colored sweatshirt with light-colored writing on the chest, and white sneakers with dark-colored soles, police said.

The involved vehicle is an Audi A4 — black with tinted windows and silver spoked rims — according to authorities. The front license plate is offset to the right side of the vehicle.

See photos above, and watch the video below:

Anyone with information related to the suspect or vehicle can contact the Wayne Police Detective Bureau at 973-633-3530.

The Grace United Church has positioned itself as an LGBTQIA+ affirming and inclusive congregation.

"You are not merely 'welcome' at GUPC-- we affirm your identity as a gift from God, and are committed to the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in the life, leadership, mission, and ministry of the church," the church's website says.

The church holds an LGBTQIA+ community group, which provides a safe space to talk, share experiences and offer support.

"God loves you, so do we, and we're so sorry for the harm and abuse you've experienced from the Church," Grace United's website says.

In 2020, 62 bias crimes against sexual orientation and eight regarding gender identity were reported in New Jersey, according to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program.

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