Authorities in Erie, Pa. are investigating the burning of an LGBTQ Pride flag outside a local health clinic earlier this week.
The incident happened at the Central Outreach Wellness Center, a facility that offers services to the local LGBTQ community in four locations in Pennsylvania, as well as two in Ohio: one in Cleveland Heights, and one in Columbus, which is set to open next week.
On Thursday, officials with the clinic in Erie, a city on Lake Erie about 100 miles east of Cleveland, released a statement saying that a “Pride flag burned outside our office at Central Outreach Erie,” adding that they will “pursue legal action against anyone involved in this matter.”
Local media reported that the staff made the discovery on Thursday morning.
The building didn’t suffer any damage, but the flag was burned and its flagpole was broken, Erie police Lt. Earl Matson said told the Erie Times-News on Friday.
Investigators are currently reviewing security camera footage in the area.
The facility’s clinical director, Dalen Michael, told local television station WJET-TV that even though it’s discouraging to see people going out of their way to ruin a place that is welcoming to everyone, the incident will not deter them from doing their work.
“We’re not going to stop. We’re going to continue,” he said. “We already replaced the flag.”
The clinic is a “safe space amidst homophobia, transphobia, racism, sexism, and all the bigotry that festers in America,” according to the statement released Thursday.
“We will not stray from our mission to deliver healthcare to marginalized communities, and we are taking precautions to keep our community safe,” clinic officials added.
Police are asking anyone with information that could help in their investigation to call (814) 870-1120.