2 days ago
Man arrested in two possible hate crimes against LGBTQ+ community in DC, police say
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — A man is facing charges after reportedly destroying and defacing property in two separate incidents, including removing rainbow decorations from light poles near Dupont Circle and spraying graffiti, police announced Tuesday.
The incidents are being investigated as possible hate crimes.
On June 2, around 7:40 p.m., D.C. police responded to the report of destruction of property at Dupont Circle. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Michael Isaiah Webb Jr., reportedly destroyed rainbow colored cloth that was wrapped around light poles and left the scene before officers arrived.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man seen tearing down Dupont Circle Pride decorations; DC police investigating
In a video obtained by DC News Now, a man was caught on video that same day tearing down the rainbow decorations.
Police wouldn't confirm whether the individual in the video was the same suspect they arrested.
The following day, a similar incident occurred at Dupont Circle with a different suspect tearing down rainbow decorations around the light poles.
RELATED COVERAGE: Man attacked for protecting Pride decorations in Dupont Circle
On June 4, just before 8 a.m., officers responded to the report of a disorderly person in the 600 block of Maine Avenue SW. Webb reportedly spray-painted vulgar words targeting the LGBTQ+ community, police said.
According to an incident report, the suspect spray painted in red 'F*** LGBT ABC!' Right next to the phrase, 'God is Real,' was written in similar paint and design.
Webb was finally identified through video and photos from both offenses.
On Sunday, June 8, police saw Webb in Navy Yard and arrested him without incident. He was charged with destruction of property and defacing private property.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
