Pride displays stolen from multiple Grand Marais businesses ahead of weekend celebration

Equality hurts no one.

Those were the sentiments shared by a Grand Marais business owner after a Pride sign was stolen during broad daylight Friday afternoon.

“We had a sign out front and it was taken around 3:30 p.m. (Friday),” said Katie Mumm, a co-owner of Fisherman’s Daughter in Grand Marais.

The fish market and restaurant was not alone. At least two other local businesses had Pride flags or signs stolen during recent days. The vandalism occurred ahead of the annual Pride celebration and events in Grand Marais that took place Saturday, June 10. In addition to the Fisherman’s Daughter, Pride flags were also reported stolen at Java Moose and the Cook County Whole Foods Co-Op. Both businesses are located in Grand Marais. After the pride flag was removed from near the front entrance of the co-op, another was mounted on the roof of the local business at the start of the weekend.

The theft of the flags is a crime, according to local authorities. Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen told WTIP June 10 there is an active investigation concerning the stolen flags and sign. There are currently no suspects, Eliasen said.

If someone has information that would lead to the arrest of anyone involved in the theft of the Pride flags, they can call 218-387-3030. The thefts would be misdemeanors and they are punishable with a maximum fine of $700, and/or 90 days in jail, according to Eliasen. Tips can be anonymous if the caller feels safer doing that, he added.

“We had enhanced patrols for the film event last night and for the event that is taking place today,” Eliasen told WTIP. “This type of theft and/or property damage is a needless crime. The suspects who commit these acts are cowards and will be charged when found.”

Cook County and Grand Marais are not alone when it comes to Pride flags being stolen during the past week. Across the country, from Nebraska to California, Pride flags have been reported as stolen during recent days. Other communities across Minnesota have also experienced similar incidents in early June.

For her part, Mumm expressed disappointment that the sign was stolen from in front of Fisherman’s Daughter. Moving forward, she said it’s important that people approach differences with more civility.

“I truly believe that we need to treat everyone with respect,” she told WTIP June 10. “Respecting other people’s values makes us a stronger community.”

Joe Friedrichs June 10, 2023