What to Know
- The suspect caught on camera setting pride flags on fire in front of a Harlem gay bar has been arrested, police said Tuesday
- The suspect, 20-year-old Tyresse Singleton, was charged with two counts of arson and two counts of criminal mischief as a hate crime
- The flags were first burned on May 31, the night before Pride Month was set to begin in the city, and then set on fire again on July 8
The suspect caught on camera setting pride flags on fire in front of a Harlem gay bar has been arrested, police said Tuesday.
The suspect, 20-year-old Tyresse Singleton of Harlem, was charged with two counts of arson and two counts of criminal mischief as a hate crime after allegedly burning rainbow flags outside the Alibi Lounge on two separate occasions, according to police.
The suspect was caught on surveillance video on May 31, the day before Pride Month was set to begin in the city, taking his time lighting both flags outside the bar before fleeing the scene.
The flags were burned once again just after midnight on July 8, the suspect seen on camera that time as well.
In response to the arrest, Alibi Lounge owner Alexi Minko said he hopes the suspect gets the "justice he deserves."
"It serves as an example to anyone who might get the terrible idea to commit a hate crime," Minko said in a statement to News 4. "We want to thank the NYPD for their efforts and the community in Harlem for their tremendous support!"
On its Instagram, the business bills itself as the only black-owned gay lounge in Harlem, serving food and drinks.
It was not immediately clear if Singleton had an attorney.
