Renton, WA couple looks to move after claiming years of homophobic harassment
The Brief
A Renton couple says they're facing ongoing homophobic harassment, including slurs and an attempted break-in at their home.
Fernando Vega says he was shot with an airsoft gun after confronting a group trying to break into his sister's room.
Renton Police are investigating the incidents, and the family is raising funds to move to a safer neighborhood.
RENTON, Wash. - A Renton couple says they are looking to move to a new home after enduring years of homophobic harassment in the Fairwood neighborhood.
Fernando Vega says his Ring camera captured kids in his apartment complex ripping off a Pride flag from his porch in the summer of 2023.
Vega says he spoke with the boy's parents, who later apologized. But in April 2025, Vega says his Ring camera captured a boy, claiming he was the person who stole his Pride flag in 2023.
Vega claims he, his husband and his sister have suffered harassment, homophobic and racial slurs, and this past week, an attempted break-in.
"I do not believe this is a joke, this is malicious," said Vega.
Vega says he and his family were at home on Wednesday night, when a group tried to break into his sister's room, and he went running after them.
"That's when I told them they needed to get off the property, yelling at them, trying to get them to leave," said Vega.
Instead of apologizing, Vega says someone in the group pulled out an airsoft gun and began shooting at him.
"I was hit probably between 20 to 30 times," said Vega.
The Renton Police Department confirms officers did meet with Vega for a report of malicious mischief, and they are currently investigating this case.
In the meantime, Vega and his family are trying to move to a more accepting neighborhood and have started a GoFundMe to help them with moving expenses.
The Source
Information in this story came from the Renton Police Department and original FOX 13 Seattle reporting and interviews.
Seattle traffic to be impacted from upcoming protests
Authorities shift tactics in search for WA triple murder suspect Travis Decker
Manhunt for Travis Decker moves to WA's Kittitas County
Anti-Trump 'NO KINGS' protests planned for Seattle this weekend
Seattle police disperse 'ICE OUT' protesters after fire breaks out downtown
Everything you need to know about Seattle Pride Parade 2025
Things to do for Father's Day in Seattle
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Veterans Arrested on Capitol Grounds on Eve of DC Parade, Trump Birthday
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Veterans rushed the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., during a protest against President Donald Trump and the upcoming parade celebrating the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, prompting local authorities to arrest several people. Why It Matters Trump has planned for a parade commemorating the Army's anniversary, which will take place on Flag Day and coincides with Trump's 79th birthday. Plans for the parade called for around 6,600 soldiers, at least 150 vehicles and 50 helicopters to follow a route from Arlington, Virginia, to the National Mall, according to documents obtained by the Associated Press. This will carry an estimated cost of around $45 million. This follows staffing cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as part of the Trump administration's mission to slash what it deems waste, fraud and abuse in federal government spending. Thuy Nguyen on Friday speaks outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., during a protest of Saturday's parade for the Army's 250th anniversary, which falls on President Donald Trump's birthday. Thuy Nguyen on Friday speaks outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., during a protest of Saturday's parade for the Army's 250th anniversary, which falls on President Donald Trump's About Face: Veterans Against the War What To Know The U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) told Newsweek in an email statement that around 75 people attended the protest outside the Supreme Court, where demonstrators initially gathered. However, 60 of those protesters soon broke off and tried to force their way onto the steps of the Capitol, pushing through a police perimeter and bike rack, at which point USCP officers started to detain individuals. "USCP arrested approximately 60 demonstrators," the statement read. "All will be charged with unlawful demonstration and crossing a police line. Additional charges for some will include assault on a police officer and resisting arrest." The protesters wore army fatigues over shirts that read "Veterans Against Fascism," and they carried signs with slogans saying such things as "Veterans Say Military Off Our Streets" and "Money For People, Not Parades." Kevin Benderman on Friday addresses demonstrators outside the U.S. Supreme Court at a protest of Saturday's parade for the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, which falls on President Donald Trump's birthday, in Washington, D.C. Kevin Benderman on Friday addresses demonstrators outside the U.S. Supreme Court at a protest of Saturday's parade for the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, which falls on President Donald Trump's birthday, in Washington, About Face: Veterans Against the War Fox News Senior Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram in a post to X, formerly Twitter, reported that two of the people arrested were taken to the hospital for "further treatment." Progressive political action committee VoteVets over the Memorial Day weekend posted a message of heavy criticism against Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency. "Gutting VA will result in delayed appointments and substandard care, leading directly to more veteran deaths. In fact, as reports and internal documents now prove, Elon Musk's wrecking ball is causing systems to fail, putting veterans at risk," Kayla Williams, Iraq War veteran and senior policy adviser at VoteVets, wrote in a post on X. "It's a slap in the face to all who have worn the uniform in defense of our nation," Williams added. Rebecca Roberts on Friday speaks outside the U.S. Supreme Court during a protest of Saturday's parade celebrating the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, which falls on President Donald Trump's birthday, in Washington, D.C. Rebecca Roberts on Friday speaks outside the U.S. Supreme Court during a protest of Saturday's parade celebrating the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, which falls on President Donald Trump's birthday, in Washington, About Face: Veterans Against the War The veterans' protest on Friday is merely a taste of what Trump might expect over the weekend: Another veterans group, Refuse Fascism, plans to lead a protest on Saturday, citing a need to take a stand "against the misuse of the military by President Donald Trump," according to WUSA 9. Protest group 50501 (50 protests, 50 states, one movement) has urged members and supporters to reserve free tickets to the parade and then not attend in an effort to create a sparse crowd and lackluster display. What Happens Next The parade is set for Saturday, but the forecast from the National Weather Service has predicted a 60 percent chance of rain, with a thunderstorm possible after 2 p.m. "While it doesn't look like a washout, a few thunderstorms can be around especially during the middle to late afternoon hours," AccuWeather meteorologist Alex DaSilva previously told Newsweek.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Marines detain first civilian as radical leftists plan 'defiance' against Trump
The U.S. Marines detained their first civilian protester in Los Angeles Friday, U.S. defense officials told Fox News. The civilian, who has not yet been identified, was temporarily detained and handed over to law enforcement, according to authorities. Marines arrived in the city Friday after training for days for potential encounters with protesters. Marines To Begin Operations In Los Angeles Friday, Ahead Of Nationwide Anti-trump Protests A U.S. official told Fox News Title 10 forces can temporarily detain individuals and transfer them to law enforcement. "'Temporary detainment' is different than an arrest," the official said. "The Marines are not allowed to use handcuffs or zip ties to detain any individuals. They use an arm hold to escort the person to law enforcement, who will then decide what to do with the individual." Read On The Fox News App La-area Mayors Plead With Trump Admin To Stop Ice Immigration Arrests An official with the United States Northern Command (U.S. NORTHCOM) said any temporary detention ends immediately when the individual can be safely transferred to the custody of appropriate civilian law enforcement personnel. The arrest was made as law enforcement gears up for planned nationwide protests against the Trump administration Saturday. Trump Takes Action Against 'Orchestrated Attack' On Law Enforcement By Deploying Marines To La: Assemblyman Organized by No Kings, protesters will gather for a "nationwide day of defiance" in thousands of cities across the U.S. "From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we're taking action to reject authoritarianism — and show the world what democracy really looks like," the organization wrote on its website. "The flag doesn't belong to President Trump. It belongs to us. We're not watching history happen. We're making it." Los Angeles authorities said they have increased patrols and are prepared for potential article source: Marines detain first civilian as radical leftists plan 'defiance' against Trump
an hour ago
Judge blocks plan to allow immigration agents in New York City jail
NEW YORK -- A judge blocked New York City's mayor from letting federal immigration authorities reopen an office at the city's main jail, in part because of concerns the mayor invited them back in as part of a deal with the Trump administration to end his corruption case. New York Judge Mary Rosado's decision Friday is a setback for Democratic Mayor Eric Adams, who issued an executive order permitting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agencies to maintain office space at the Rikers Island jail complex. City lawmakers filed a lawsuit in April accusing Adams of entering into a 'corrupt quid pro quo bargain' with the Trump administration in exchange for the U.S. Justice Department dropping criminal charges against him. Rosado temporarily blocked the executive order in April. In granting a preliminary injunction, she said city council members have 'shown a likelihood of success in demonstrating, at minimum, the appearance of a quid pro quo whereby Mayor Adams publicly agreed to bring Immigration and Customs Enforcement ('ICE') back to Rikers Island in exchange for dismissal of his criminal charges.' Rosado cited a number of factors, including U.S. border czar Tom Homan's televised comments in February that if Adams did not come through, "I'll be in his office, up his butt saying, 'Where the hell is the agreement we came to?' ' Adams has repeatedly denied making a deal with the administration over the criminal case. He has said he deputized his first deputy mayor, Randy Mastro, to handle decision-making on the return of ICE to Rikers Island to make sure there was no appearance of any conflict of interest. Rosado said that Mastro reports to Adams and 'cannot be considered impartial and free from Mayor Adams' conflicts.' Mastro said in a prepared statement Friday the administration was confident they will prevail in the case. "Let's be crystal clear: This executive order is about the criminal prosecution of violent transnational gangs committing crimes in our city. Our administration has never, and will never, do anything to jeopardize the safety of law-abiding immigrants, and this executive order ensures their safety as well," Mastro said. City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who is running in the Democratic primary for mayor, called the decision a victory for public safety. 'New Yorkers are counting on our city to protect their civil rights, and yet, Mayor Adams has attempted to betray this obligation by handing power over our city to Trump's ICE because he is compromised," she said in a prepared statement.
