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HINGHAM (WBZNewsRadio) - A man from Weymouth is under arrest and facing a slew of charges after police said he threatened to destroy a pride flag that was on display at the Derby Street Shoppes In Hingham.
On Thursday April 13th, management at the Derby Street Shoppes got a voicemail from a caller saying if the shopping center did not remove a Pride flag on display within the next three days, he would shoot the flag down with a rifle and burn it. During the voicemail, the caller also made negative comments concerning the Jewish faith. Derby Shoppes immediately informed authorities.
Authorities were quickly able to trace the threatening message back to Gage Scammell, a 29 year old from Weymouth. Scammell was arrested and charged with interference with civil rights, deadly weapons; threatened use or presence, and threatening to commit a crime.
"The Hingham Police Department supports and stands with our LGBTQ+ and Jewish communities and we will not tolerate any threats or discrimination against them. "Police Chief David Jones said in a statement. "The men and women of this agency will vigorously investigate threats against any member of our community. If anyone has any information or concerns they can reach out to our Civil Rights Officer, Lt. John Marquardt (civilrights@hpd.org). I was to reiterate that any attacks against the LGBTQ+ or Jewish communities, or any other marginalized group, will be dealt with swiftly and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Hingham is a welcoming and accepting community and we will continue to work with our local stakeholders to ensure that our town is safe and inclusive for everyone."
WBZ's Jim MacKay (@JimMacKayOnAir) reports
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