Police are investigating vandalism at The Sugar Maple, an LGBTQ+-friendly bar in Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood. A large rock was thrown through a window on Sunday night. According to FOX6 Now, the incident happened around 11:15 p.m., shortly after the bar had closed. The broken window displayed a trans pride flag and a supportive poster.
The suspect is still at large after a vandalism incident at The Sugar Maple, a bar at 441 E. Lincoln Ave. in Milwaukee known for serving the LGBTQIA+ community. Security cameras did not capture the act. Staff member Xay Matabele told WISN, “Do you think you were targeted because of that or do you know right now?” and said, “It seems like a pretty clear choice to me ... We have two other windows that don't have anything like that hanging in them. It just seems like it's a pretty evident choice.” The Milwaukee Police Department is investigating but has not confirmed whether the incident will be classified as a hate crime.
A recent act of vandalism has drawn attention in a community familiar with discrimination. In response, The Sugar Maple shared a message on Facebook: “You can hide behind your cowardice of late night vandalism but we will continue to shine bright and proud in the light of day,” as per FOX6 Now. Speaking to WISN, Matabele said, “All of the negative feelings were kind of washed away pretty quickly with just like this huge influx of support.”
