Kelowna RCMP are investigating hateful vandalism on rainbow art

Police are investigating after rainbow pride art was vandalized in Kelowna with hate speech late last month.

On Oct. 30, at 8:28 a.m., the Kelowna RCMP was made aware that rainbow art on a sidewalk of the 1000 block of Hollywood Road South had been vandalized with hate speech during the previous weekend, according to a release.

Surveillance footage shows the vandalism occurred on Oct. 28, at 6:55 p.m. The footage also shows a suspect appearing to be male, wearing dark clothing, a mask, and gloves.

"Kelowna has a long history of diversity and inclusion of all our citizens, this behaviour is disappointing and completely unacceptable," stated Inspector Beth McAndie Investigative Service Officer with the Kelowna RCMP, in the release. “We will continue to investigate all reports of hate speech and crimes of this nature in an effort to identify those responsible.”

Anybody with information about suspicious activity on that evening or with dash camera footage that may have recorded something of interest should contact the RCMP at (250) 762-3300 and reference file number 2023-64754. To remain anonymous, the Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers should be contacted at 1-800-222-8477 or leave a tip online on the website.

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