We’re still learning the circumstances surrounding a fire in Baltimore this Wednesday morning, but from what we know, the situation is certainly both sad and scary. According to local CBS outlet WJZ 13, the fire resulted in three people being sent to the hospital. Details are still being fleshed out, but as far as we know currently, at least one Pride flag was set on fire. Police initially believed this flag being set on fire spread to three other homes on the same block, resulting in damages to all four of them. Now police are saying they believe the fires are technically two separate incidents, with a home on the same street that had visible Pride decor being set on fire, as well.
The fire was reported around 4:30 in the morning according to the fire department and was contained by 5 AM. Victims included a 30-year-old woman, a 57-year-old man, and a 74-year-old-man, according to Fire Chief Niles Ford. All three victims were brought to Shock Trauma for treatment, and both the 30-year-old and 57-year-old are in critical condition. The 74-year-old is in serious condition, per Ford. It’s unclear if all victims were in the same home or not.
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Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said in a press briefing that the cause of the fire is still being investigated and that the motive is unclear. Initial reports said police were considering the incident as a possible hate crime.
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“This is an ongoing investigation to determine facts, to determine the cause, and right now, we’re not prepared or equipped to determine cause or the facts of how it started,” Harrison stated.
One of the houses is almost completely destroyed, with another sustaining serious damage.
You can catch some local coverage below.
And a bit more coverage here.
Notably, this is far from the first time people have targeted Pride flags, including in recent memory in Baltimore. For example, as reported by local outlet WMAR 2, in May, Baltimore Police were investigating two incidents where they believed the same person had been seen on camera setting two LGBTQ+ Pride flags on fire in the night. Now, this incident is not explicitly tied to the recent fires, but does speak to bigger-picture concerns and fears about LGBTQ+ folks and allies being targets for hate.
And who can we thank for that? Largely Republicans. We’re seeing conservatives ignite such hysteria over everything from books to pronouns to health care to sports, it’s no wonder people might be more brazen in their hate and threatening behaviors. After all, Republicans are essentially running on these queerphobia platforms just in time for midterms, and they’re not showing any signs of slowing down.