July 7, 2025 New York, NY – Police are on the hunt for a man accused of brandishing a knife and defacing Pride signs outside the Monster Bar, a long-standing LGBTQ+ establishment in Greenwich Village, on June 16. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of a Monday morning, is being investigated by the NYPD's Hate Crimes Task Force.
According to authorities, just after 5 a.m., a suspect allegedly menaced a 36-year-old employee with a knife before damaging the Pride displays at the popular bar, located at 80 Grove Street in Manhattan. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the encounter. The perpetrator reportedly fled the scene, heading west on West Fourth Street.
The Monster Bar has been a cornerstone of the Greenwich Village LGBTQ+ community for decades, making this act of vandalism particularly unsettling for many. While the NYPD has not yet confirmed any arrests in connection with the incident, the swift involvement of the Hate Crimes Task Force underscores the serious nature of the alleged crime.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that even in seemingly progressive areas like New York City, acts of prejudice and hate can still occur. Community leaders and bar patrons are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist the ongoing investigation.
