ATLANTA — Atlanta Police is investigating after property belonging to vendors of a Black pride event was vandalized at a Midtown hotel late Tuesday night.
In a statement on Wednesday, Atlanta Police said officers were called out to The Starling Atlanta Midtown hotel at 188 14th St. NE in regard to a reported vandalism.
Police said property of the upcoming Global Black Pride weekend was damaged after officers said that "an intoxicated guest" at the hotel vandalized the room late Tuesday night. Hotel security responded and notified police around noon on Wednesday.
In a video posted to social media, items -- such as tables, pamphlets and pride flags -- are scattered all over the floor and some of the property appears to be even broken and damaged. The person who shared a video online also claimed someone "pooped" on one of the pride flags.
Global Black Pride shared on Instagram about what happened calling it an "act of hatred" and also saying its "disheartening and deeply troubling."
"Despite this, we are resolute in our commitment to celebrating Black Pride," the statement reads.
APD's LGBTQ Liaison Unit is now investigating as police work on leads to identify the suspect and figure out what their motive was for destroying the property.
Atlanta Black Pride President Terrence Stewart also released a statement Wednesday evening saying the organization was "outraged" over what happened at the hotel.
"This act of hate is not just an attack on a building but a violation of our entire community. It strikes at the heart of what we stand for – unity, love, and celebrating our diverse and vibrant identities," Stewart said.
Stewart urged community members and allies to be vigilant this weekend and to remain united against adversity.
"Let us come together to support one another, and let this incident remind us that our collective strength and resilience will always prevail over hate," Stewart said. "As we move forward, we encourage everyone to stay alert, look out for one another, and immediately report suspicious activities to event security or local authorities."