The following is an official statement from the City of Burien.
On Tuesday, June 24, the City of Burien learned that 38 of the 40 Pride flags that had been installed in downtown Burien had been removed and stolen. The flags had been installed by Discover Burien in support of Pride Month, a time when communities across the country celebrate the dignity, equality, and increased visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) people as well commemorating the Stonewall riots that began on June 28, 1969.
The Burien Police Department has opened an investigation into the incident. They encourage anyone who may have seen something to call (206) 296-3311.
The City of Burien supports the values that Pride represents: equality, fairness, visibility, and empowerment for LGTBQ+ people. The City’s leadership sanctioned the installation of the flags on publicly owned light poles as they have done for several years. In past years, the Burien City Council has issued proclamations supporting Pride as well as proclamations denouncing hate speech.
The City of Burien is an inclusive and welcoming city and we want to strongly declare that acts of hate or intimidation based on someone’s identity have no place in our community. The outpouring of support that Discover Burien has received to replace the flags is proof that Burien is a welcoming place for all.