Rainbow Flag Burning Investigation Continues

The police investigation continues into the burned gay pride flag left outside the LGBT Community Center in New York City early Wednesday morning.

According to DNAinfo, the center's surveillance cameras captured an image of the perpetrator, but they await police permission to release it over fear of compromising the investigation, which is being handled by NYPD's hate-crimes unit. The incident happened at 12:30 A.M.

Center spokesman Jeffrey Klein said the flag "didn't belong to the center and must have been carried there by the perpetrator. He said the flag was discovered around 8 A.M. Wednesday, taped to a poster announcing upcoming events at the center. Police responded immediately, Klein said," according to DNAinfo.

In a joint statement Thursday, many of New York City's out elected officials denounced the flag burning.

"The act of hate demonstrated outside the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center in the Village is unacceptable," said Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn. "I was angered and deeply disturbed when I heard someone would go to such great lengths to burn a rainbow flag and pin it to the outside of the building. The Center has long been a safe space for LGBT people and will continue to serve New Yorkers who need specific health and social resources. We will continue to combat hate through education to ensure spaces like the Center stay safe. We will continue to speak out against hate and to ensure spaces like the Center stay safe. We will continue to speak out against hate and to ensure spaces like the Center stay safe. Our community will continue to stand up against all acts of hate."

Anyone with information about the flag burning is urged to contact the NYPD tips line at 800-577-TIPS.