Brookline Police Seek Public's Help After BLM, Pride Flags Defaced

BROOKLINE, MA — Brookline Police took to social media Wednesday seeking the public’s help after police said Black Lives Matter and Progress Pride flags were found defaced earlier this month.

Police said the incidents took place on Dec. 3 and Dec. 4 at the Coolidge Corner branch of the Public Library of Brookline, with someone placing various stickers on the flags on the outside of the building.

The stickers, police said in a statement Wednesday afternoon, appeared to reference the game Warhammer 40k. The game's imagery, police said "has been adopted by various groups to symbolize hate speech."

Stickers seen on the flags included the word “HERESY” and the image of a two-headed imperial eagle, according to police.

Police on Wednesday said they are seeking any information from the public regarding this incident. Police said they are particularly interested in any footage from home security cameras in the area.

Individuals with information can call police detectives at 617-730-2222.

Brookline has seen incidents involving defaced flags in the past. Earlier this year, officials with United Parish in Brookline said someone burned their transgender pride flag on their front lawn. That incident was reported to police, officials said.

While this latest incident took place earlier this month, police on Wednesday said they were not made aware of it until Tuesday.

"There was a significant delay in it being reported to the police department so the investigation is just starting," Brookline Police Lieutenant David Hill told Patch.

Brookline Police are seeking information regarding the defacement of the BLM and Pride flags at the Coolidge Corner Library 12/3 into 12/4. The department's Hate Crime Unit and LGBTQ+ Liaison are investigating. Call 617-730-2222 pic.twitter.com/hP0qk6nAej
— Brookline PD (@BrooklineMAPD) December 21, 2022