Man Threatens to Shoot and Burn Hingham Pride Flag

A man threatened to shoot down and burn a Pride flag that was displayed at a the Derby Street Shoppes in Hingham. Hingham police identified the man as Gage Scammell, and say he left a voicemail to the mall management on April 13, demanding that they take down the flag within three days or he would shoot down the flag with a rifle and burn it. He also expressed his hatred towards Jewish people in his message.

Scammell, was charged with interference with civil rights, threatened use or presence of deadly weapons, and threat to commit a crime. He appeared in court on April 17 and was arraigned in Hingham District Court on the following charges: interference with civil rights, threatened use or presence of deadly weapons and threat to commit a crime.

"The Hingham Police Department supports and stand with our LGBTQ+ and Jewish communities and we will not tolerate any threats or discrimination against them," Hingham police Chief David Jones said in a statement.

The Pride flag was part of a display that celebrated diversity and inclusion at the Derby Street Shoppes mall.

The incident sparked outrage and solidarity among the local residents and activists, who organized a rally on April 16 to show their support for the Pride flag and the Jewish community. They also denounced Scammell's threat and called for more tolerance and acceptance in society.

The rally was attended by hundreds of people, including local officials, religious leaders, and representatives of various organizations. They held signs that read "Love Wins", "Hate Has No Home Here", and "We Stand With You". They also sang songs and chanted slogans of unity and peace.

If anyone has any information or concerns they can reach out to the Hingham Police Civil Rights Officer, Lt. John Marquardt ([email protected]).