Police are investigating the theft of more than 200 pride flags in Carlisle, Massachusetts, just days before Pride Month began, according to police.
The flags were removed from the Carlisle Center roundabout, near the intersection of Lowell Street, Bedford and Westford roads, Monday night, according to a news release. They were last seen in the area Sunday evening.
“We take this very seriously,” Police Chief Andrew Amendola said. “This is unfortunate because Carlisle is an inclusive community and we want everyone to feel safe and welcome here.”
Community members came together to replace the flags hours after they were stolen, NBC Boston reported.
Organizers of the local Pride event told the outlet that the turnout was larger than expected.
“The response from the community has been overwhelming,” Pride co-organizer Rachel Gore Free told NBC Boston. “People came out in solidarity.”
Saturday morning President Joe Biden published on X noting the start of Pride Month by saying in part: “For generations, LGBTQI+ Americans have found the courage to live proudly – even if it meant putting their lives at risk. »
The Carlisle Police Department continues to investigate the theft and is asking anyone with information to contact them.