Westport Pride Press Release

At 8:00 AM, Brian McGunagle, founder of Westport Pride, while driving to work, noticed that the rainbow balloons placed on the bridge lights in celebration of Pride month had been removed.

Most of the lights on the northbound side of the bridge, a Westport landmark, had the colorful balloons torn off and several lights were damaged. The southbound side of the bridge appears intact.

McGunagle said, "Hate has no home in Westport, and Westport Pride will continue to pursue its mission of radical welcome in our community despite any acts of vandalism."

Via email, the Downtown Association committed to replacing the balloons today and every time going forward. The alleged crime comes just days after Westport Pride held its first Pride Rally on Jesup Green on June 5th with attendance nearing 500.

Sal Liccione, RTM District 9, which represents downtown, and Westport Police are at the scene currently investigating.