A Cary LGBTQ+ organizer says a shirtless man carrying a metal flagpole struck her in the head while she was running a Pride-themed market at Downtown Cary Park, leaving her with a black eye and rattling vendors. Cary police issued a misdemeanor citation in the case, but the organizer and others who say they watched it unfold argue the attack was driven by anti-LGBTQ sentiment and should bring more serious charges. The confrontation is now prompting local groups to revisit safety plans for upcoming Pride events across the Triangle.
Assault at Alphabet Soup Pride Market
Sara Buxton, who runs The Night Market Company and organized the Alphabet Soup Pride Market, says a shirtless man carrying an American flag ran through vendor tents and struck her with the metal pole during the event on Saturday, June 13. The blow, she says, knocked her glasses off and left her with a swollen eye, as reported by The News & Observer. Cary police identified a 25-year-old man and issued a citation for misdemeanor simple assault. Court records show a disposition hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 13, 2026, and that the suspect faced a prior simple-assault complaint last year that was later dismissed. The Night Market Company lists the Alphabet Soup Pride Market on its Cary calendar and notes that the event is held in Downtown Cary Park, the public space where the incident occurred.
Witnesses and organizer reaction
Helicia Chiang, operations manager for the LGBT Center of Raleigh, told other organizers she saw the man pivot and the flagpole “smack” Buxton on the side of the head, knocking her glasses off, according to The News & Observer. Afterward, Buxton posted a video showing her injured eye and wrote, "Queer owned businesses need your support always, not just during pride month," saying the attack left her anxious in crowds but still determined to push for justice. Organizers say they want prosecutors to consider whether the attack should be treated as bias-motivated and elevated beyond a misdemeanor.
What organizers are doing about safety
Event organizers told reporters they are increasing volunteer monitoring and coordinating with local police ahead of larger Pride gatherings in the region. Out! Raleigh, the region’s larger Pride festival, is set for later this month, and organizers list public-safety and accessibility information on their site as they prepare for thousands of attendees. The Town of Cary’s Downtown Cary Park page shows the park hosts frequent markets and public events, which organizers and vendors say is exactly why clear safety plans are critical for community gatherings.
Legal context
North Carolina’s statute that addresses bias-motivated offenses applies to crimes “because of race, color, religion, nationality or country of origin” and does not name sexual orientation or gender identity as protected categories, per the state code. G.S. 14-401.14. By contrast, federal hate-crimes law, most notably the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, does cover sexual orientation and gender identity, though federal jurisdiction or a federal complaint is typically required for the Department of Justice to bring those charges. The U.S. Department of Justice maintains guidance and examples of federal hate-crimes enforcement.
Buxton and other Triangle organizers say the incident is a reminder that public Pride events can attract protesters and agitators, and they are urging attendees to document problems and report threats. Cary police and court records are the primary public sources for the case, and organizers say they will continue pressing authorities to review the citation and consider whether stronger charges are warranted.
