OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — A sign promoting love for all is now the target of hate for the second time.
"It’s was attack on a sign that has a very deliberate message," Reverend Ali Haynes, pastor at Indian Heights United Methodist Church, said.
Haynes couldn't believe someone would vandalize their Pride 'All Are Welcome' sign again.
The sign was a target for vandals in 2019.
"It's a sign that causes division, when it should cause unity," Haynes said.
Haynes discovered it in pieces Friday morning when she showed up to the church at West 103rd street and Nall Avenue.
DEVELOPING: @OverlandPark_PD is investigating the vandalism of a #Rainbow ‘All are Welcome’ sign at Indian Heights United Methodist Church on 103rd St. and Nall Ave. as a hate crime. @KSHB41 | @opcares | @OPPD_PIO | @OPPD_Chief | #LGBTQ pic.twitter.com/IE6d2O0UIj
— Andres Gutierrez (@AFGutierrez) April 29, 2022
It's been up on the church lawn since 2018 to let the LGBTQIA+ community know they are a safe space.
"That we are a church that is welcoming and inclusive. And we want everybody to be able to feel their worth and value," Haynes said.
She wants whoever did it caught.
The Overland Park Police Department (OPPD) told KSHB 41 News the case goes beyond criminal damage to property.
"We will be investigating this as a hate crime. Something like this here in overland park. We take very very seriously," Officer John Lacy, a spokesperson for OPPD said.
Surveillance cameras near the intersection may generate some leads for a possible suspect.
Detectives will also be speaking to people who live in the Nall Hills neighborhood to see if any of them were possible witnesses.
In the meantime, Pastor Haynes zip-tied the sliced message back up
"We aren't just going to stop putting our message of love out there," Haynes said.
This as members of the community are willing to donate to replace it with perhaps an even bigger sign.
"No matter how tattered and broken you are, you're still welcome in this church," Haynes said.
If you have any information on the incident, call Overland Park Police at 913-895-6300, or to submit an anonymous tip and be considered for a monetary reward, call the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).
