MADISON BOROUGH, NJ (Morris County) – A Morris County Man is accused of removing and damaging Pride flags in Madison Borough.
On Sunday, June 9, officers were responded to Waverly Place for a report of six Pride flags being removed from the light stanchions, with several found damaged, officials said.
The flags are displayed annually to celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month, authorities said.
Surveillance video from a Waverly Place business captured the suspect removing the flags and discarding them in a trash receptacle in front of the Chase Bank on Waverly Place. The flags were recovered by officers, secured at the Public Safety Building, and turned over to the Public Works Department for repairs and re-display, which occurred Monday morning, officials said.
During the investigation, patrol officers identified Cormac M. McNamara, 21, of Madison Borough as the suspect. He was taken into custody on June 10, at 10:33 a.m., at his residence without incident and transported to police headquarters, authorities said.
McNamara was charged with criminal mischief and released pending a court appearance, officials said.
The Madison Police Department has been working closely with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office since the case’s inception to ensure the incident did not meet the threshold of a biased crime, authorities said.
“I want to commend the quick actions of our officers in their response, investigation, and apprehension of our suspect. We take this act very seriously, and this type of behavior has no place in Madison or anywhere else,” said Madison Borough Police Chief Miscia.
“Madison is a welcoming community, and the acts that occurred over the weekend were a prime example of what type of behavior will not be tolerated in Madison. Since 2019, we have been proudly displaying the Pride flags downtown to recognize all LGBTQIA+ residents whose influential and lasting contributions make Madison a vibrant community in which to live, work, and visit. I applaud and thank MPD and DPW for their swift response to this case and their quick work to reinstall the Pride Flags,” said Madison Borough Mayor Robert H. Conley.
