The NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force is looking for a man who cut down an LGBTQ art banner in the West Village in August, and police are asking the public for help identifying him.
According to the police report, the man approached the banner, which was displayed at 17 Horatio Street at Corporal John A. Seravalli Playground, at about 12:45 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6. He cut it down and fled on foot, heading north on Hudson Street.
No injuries were reported. Images released by the NYPD show the man carrying the banner away. The police report describes him as having a light complexion and a slim build.
Hate crimes in the 6th Precinct are up 36% this year, with 15 incidents so far compared to 11 in 2025, according to the Daily News. Citywide, the paper reported a 16% rise, from 393 incidents last year to 456 in 2026.
Anyone with relevant information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish. Tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers or on X at @NYPDTips. All calls are strictly confidential.
