Brody's Notes... Memphis Gay & Lesbian Community Centre Vandalised

Photo of Damaged Flagpole by Thomas Simmons  The Memphis Flyer Newspaper

By Brody Levesque (Washington DC) Nov 12 | Memphis Police arrested 23 year old Ross Burton early yesterday morning as Burton and another as  of yet unidentified suspect attempted an act of vandalism at the Memphis Gay & Lesbian Community Centre located at 892 S. Cooper Street. According to a police spokesperson, Plainclothes officers observed Burton and another man — who fled the scene and remains at large — attempting to set fire to the rope that runs up the flag pole in front of the MGLCC. When police officers approached the men, an altercation ensued, and one suspect attempted to disarm an officer. 

Additional units were dispatched and some officers reportedly received lacerations and abrasions from the ensuing struggle. Burton was arrested near the scene after fleeing and charged with assault on a police officer, obstruction of justice, and misdemeanor vandalism.

This incident occurred less than two months after the MGLCC National Coming Out Day billboard at Poplar and High streets was destroyed on Friday, September 25th.  Police have not commented on whether the two crimes are related.

In a telephone conversation last evening, Will Batts, the Executive Director of the MGLCC said;

"There seems to be a disturbing trend of these types of patterns of behaviour  that are symbolic of a larger atmosphere of intolerance."

Batts also said that;

"We find this targeting of our community to be a disturbing pattern that is not limited to property but also includes the more serious attacks on our transgender members as well as bullying of LGBT youth.  MGLCC takes very seriously the safety and security of our visitors and friends.  We are cooperating with the Memphis Police Department who are investigating at this time.  We understand that they have one suspect is in custody and are searching for the second.  We sincerely appreciate the attention given to both incidents by the Memphis Police Department and wish for a speedy recovery of the officer who protected our flag."

Booking Photo of Ross Burton

Shelby County Sheriff's Office Tennessee