Brick Thrown at NYC Gay Bar, Investigated as Hate Crime

A New York City gay bar, VERS, located in Hell's Kitchen, was targeted in a disturbing act of vandalism this past Saturday night. Security camera footage captured a man throwing a brick at the establishment's front window, prompting a police investigation into a potential hate crime.

Community Outrage and Call for Action

The incident has sparked outrage and concern within the LGBTQ+ community.

New York City Council member Erik Bottcher and others are urging the public to help identify the perpetrator. Despite claims suggesting the same individual is responsible for multiple attacks, authorities are still investigating to confirm if this is the case.

Shatterproof Glass Prevents Injury

The CCTV footage shows a man, wearing glasses and holding a large brick, staring at the busy bar around 10 PM before hurling the brick at the window and fleeing the scene.

Fortunately, nobody was injured, thanks to the bar owner, David DeParolesa, having installed shatterproof glass windows as a precautionary measure.

While the brick caused a significant crack in the window, DeParolesa expressed relief that the incident was finally caught on camera, calling it a "pattern" that needs to be stopped.

Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine condemned the attack, highlighting that it is just one of many targeting the queer community across the country.

"We cannot stand for this," he stated on Twitter.

Social Media Response and Solidarity

The video has been widely shared on social media, with thousands of users expressing their outrage and hoping to spread awareness in order to identify the attacker.

Many echoed Levine's sentiments of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.

Business as Usual at VERS

Despite the violent act, DeParolesa has shown resilience, keeping VERS open for business. The bar even posted a photo on social media of two cocktails in front of the cracked window, inviting customers to "come by and join us for a drink!" This defiant act shows the bar's determination to not be intimidated by hate.

Stonewall and the Symbolism of the Brick

The incident evokes the history of LGBTQ+ resistance, particularly the Stonewall Riots.

The Stonewall Inn, a landmark in Greenwich Village, remains a symbolic site. While the specific details of the Stonewall Riots, including the throwing of the first brick, are debated, the event represents a pivotal moment of defiance against systemic oppression.

Myths surrounding Stonewall, such as the identity of the first brick-thrower, often highlight marginalized figures within the LGBTQ+ community, like Marsha P.

Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. These individuals, already prominent activists for trans people, people of color, and sex workers, become symbolic of the fight for equality and justice.

While historical accuracy is important, the power of these myths lies in their ability to inspire action and solidarity.

They serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and the need to support those most vulnerable within the community.

The incident at VERS serves as a stark reminder that the fight for equality is far from over and that vigilance and solidarity are crucial in combating hate and discrimination.