MCMINNVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A masked vandal who cut down a pride flag might have ended up with an unintended consequence.
The law firm where the flag flew in Warren County plans to put up hundreds more in its place and is asking for the community's support.
"The pride flag to me as an ally and a supporter is just, just showing them that I support them," said Amanda Gentry, owner of Amanda J. Gentry Law.
On Thursday, May 30, Gentry hung a Gadsden 'Don't Tread On Me' flag and a rainbow pride flag on the lawn at her Warren County office in McMinnville.
"I am of the opinion that both of those flags represent something that is the same thing, which is to be free of government intrusion and, quite frankly, to be left alone," Gentry said.
On Friday, May 31, Gentry said someone trespassed on the property, put on a mask, clipped the rope holding the pride flag, and ran off, leaving the pride flag on the ground and the Gadsden flag flying.
"I don't know why he or that person made that decision, but it is not going to deter me," Gentry expressed. "I am supportive, and I will continue to show that support no matter what."
Gentry said she would not prosecute since the damage was minimal, but she did say she plans to rehang the flag and place 100 more pride flags on the lawn.
Gentry is also encouraging McMinnville residents to add pride lawn flags to her property.
"Let's put more flags in that yard than one person can take with one hand or cut," Gentry exclaimed.
As Pride Month continues, Gentry said she hopes the LGBTQ+ community in rural McMinnville knows small businesses like hers support them.
"We see you, we know you are there, and just want you to know that you are supported regardless of one man's decision to crawl over like a ninja in the middle of the night and cut something down that doesn't belong to him," Gentry said.
"I will continue to fly a pride flag and a Gadsden flag for the duration of this month, [even] if I have to keep putting it up," Gentry added. "If anybody wants to put a pride flag on the lawn at 206 N. Chancery Street, feel free to do that to show your support."