In wake of vandalism at the Community Church of Chesterland last week, local law enforcement have released a joint press release ahead an April 1 Drag Show Brunch and Drag Story Hour.
In wake of vandalism at the Community Church of Chesterland last week, local law enforcement have released a joint press release ahead an April 1 Drag Show Brunch and Drag Story Hour.
“We are aware that protests, demonstrations, and other activities have occurred at similar events in other communities,” read a press release signed by Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand, Chardon Chief Scott Niehus and Chester Chief Craig Young. “We are working collaboratively among ourselves and with other law enforcement agencies across Northeast Ohio to ensure order and safety in the community, and we will be prepared to respond to any breach of the peace if necessary.”
Rumors have circulated about protests at both events involving the Proud Boys, described online as a group “that promotes and engages in political violence in the United States.”
The statement put an end to any speculation about how much information police would release prior to the event.
“As a policy, we will not be commenting on specific security measures that are in place, or being planned; to do so could negatively impact our ability to protect the public during the events.”
The Community Church of Chesterland was vandalized over the weekend by what church officials described as a Molotov Cocktail, according to a church Facebook post.
Chester Township Police released a statement that said at least one incendiary device had struck the exterior of the church, located at 11984 Caves Road, resulting in very minor damage.
“No portion of the structure appeared to have ignited; however, scorching was noted on the building’s exterior,” according to a prepared release by Chief Craig Young. “Officers also noted that one of the church signs had also been damaged. Several items of evidentiary value were located at the scene, and subsequently secured for further processing. The church was unoccupied at the time of the incident and there were no injuries.”
The church has come under fire on social media and received threats after it announced it is hosting an April 1 Drag Story Hour from 4 to 5 p.m.
According to a church Facebook post: “Our sign was destroyed, outdoor light fixtures broken, and Molotov cocktails thrown at the church which houses a pre-school.”
It continued: “So they’re obviously ‘thinking of the children.’ We were fortunate that when this hate crime occurred, it was raining, which probably prevented the fire from catching. Small mercies.”
The church is also hosting a Drag Brunch at Element 41 on Chardon Square that morning and afternoon. Element 41 has also received threats about that event.
“I would say that the work we are doing is vital,” said Megan Carver, the CCC’s Social Justice co-chair and event organizer. “We have a responsibility to create safe spaces for people to be themselves. This art form of drag is one that has been enjoyed by all communities for centuries. We look forward to a safe and fun-filled time!”
The Chester Township Police Department is working with investigators from multiple partner agencies, and the vandalism incident is under investigation. If there is any information concerning this incident, please contact the Chester Township Police Department at (440) 729-1239 or (440) 729-1234.
