‘This type of hatred has no place in Burien’ – City denounces theft of Pride Flags

On the morning of Sunday, June 25, 2023, the City of Burien’s Pride flag, which was raised in front of Burien City Hall earlier this month, was stolen, the city announced. The rope securing the flag to the pole was also removed.

This follows last week’s theft of Pride flags that had been installed throughout downtown Burien. 

This is at least the third such pride flag theft incident over the last three years (read our previous coverage here).

“Special equipment is needed to reinstall the flag, and this work will not be done in time to be able to raise the Pride flag again before the end of June,” the city said.

The flags had been installed by the City of Burien and Discover Burien in support of Pride Month, a time when communities across the country celebrate the dignity, equality, and increased visibility of LGBTQIA+ people as well as commemorating the Stonewall uprising against violence and harassment toward LGBTQIA+ communities that began on June 28, 1969.

The inclusive Progress Pride flag at Burien City Hall, which highlights and celebrates the many identities under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella, had been installed during a ceremony on June 1, 2023 and marked the beginning of the month-long celebration. 

Anyone with information on these incidents is encouraged to call the Burien Police Department at (206) 296-3311.

“Burien is a place where we respect and support members of the LGBTQIA+ community. ‘This type of hatred has no place in Burien. We continue to stand strong with all of you,” said Mayor Sofia Aragon.

This year, the Burien City Council continued its annual tradition of issuing a proclamation supporting Pride month.