19-year-old man arrested for allegedly vandalizing iconic Pink Triangle on SF's Twin Peaks
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- For decades, the pink triangle on top of Twin Peaks has been an iconic symbol of Pride Month in San Francisco. But on Tuesday afternoon, that icon was vandalized.
"If it can happen here in San Francisco of all places, think what can happen in other parts of the country," said Patrick Carney.
Carney is the co-founder of the pink triangle.
He says he got a call Tuesday afternoon from police telling him a 19-year-old man was defacing the triangle with black spray paint before being taken into custody.
"It's been graffitied a couple of times before, and it was set in fire in 2009. They burned the whole center of the pink triangle up," said Carney.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the triangle in San Francisco.
A project that consists of 175 bright pink tarps and is meant to serve as a reminder of the persecution queer people have faced throughout history.
MORE: Pink Triangle celebrates 30 years of Pride on San Francisco's Twin Peaks
The Nazis used the pink triangle to identify gay people in their concentration camps.
Carney tells us despite the setback to this year's project, he's already thinking of how to fix it.
"It's probably just easier if I go down to the hardware store and match the paint color and just temporarily fix it," he said.
Condemnation of the vandalism was quick to come from many - including several people on top of Twin Peaks.
"The act of that is a smack to the whole pride community, and to those who support gay and lesbians around the world," said Rose Lue.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie also released a statement, in which he called the triangle a powerful installation celebrating the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community.
He said in part: "This hateful act of vandalism does not reflect San Francisco's values and will not be tolerated."
Carney says he'll likely start the repairs on the tarp Wednesday.
Determined not to let the incident ruin pride month for thousands of people across the Bay Area.
"It really has been a fun project, so we're not going to let this take away any of our joy," said Carney.
SFPD hasn't shared a motive for the vandalism but says charges are pending for the man responsible.
