Pennsylvania man indicted for hate crime at Atlanta's Global Black Pride
Hate crime indictment ahead of Atlanta Gay Pride
As Atlanta prepares for the largest gay pride festival in the Southeast, the Fulton County District Attorney and the police chief make it clear hates crimes will not be tolerated. Friday morning, a grand jury handed up indictments against a Pennsylvania man for damaging property during a global Black Gay Pride celebration back in August.
ATLANTA - As Atlanta prepares for its largest gay pride festival this weekend, local officials are sending a clear message: Hate crimes will not be tolerated. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has announced an indictment against a Pennsylvania man accused of committing a hate crime during the Global Black Pride Celebration in August.
Ralph George Drabic of Pennsylvania was indicted by a Fulton County grand jury for damaging property during the event, which was held in Atlanta for the first time in the United States. Drabic is accused of defecating on a gay pride flag and causing approximately $10,000 in damage to vendor equipment, furniture, and signage.
"This defendant intentionally selected the victims of these crimes on the basis of their actual or perceived race, color, sex, sexual orientation, and gender," said District Attorney Willis. She emphasized that hate crimes would not be tolerated in Fulton County, especially as thousands converge on the city for Atlanta’s Pride Festival.
Willis described the crime as "despicable" and noted that her office is seeking enhanced penalties under Georgia's hate crime laws. "Here we are seeing a terrible crime committed against members of the African American LGBTQ+ community," she said.
The incident took place at the Starling Hotel on 14th Street, where Drabic allegedly left his phone behind. The indictment accuses him of causing significant property damage and committing acts that targeted the LGBTQ+ community.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum expressed his dismay at the crime, stating, "As we were literally hosting the world here for Black Gay Pride, this act was carried out." Some people may think that this represents Atlanta, Georgia, and it does not.
The indictment underscores local authorities' commitment to protecting the LGBTQ+ community as the city gears up for one of the largest pride celebrations in the Southeast.