LOCAL NEWS

Utah Family Says Pride Flag Stolen, Burned Then Thrown In Port-A-Potty

Sep 23, 2019, 7:19 PM | Updated: Jul 16, 2023, 3:37 pm

ST. GEORGE, Utah – Dozens of neighbors and friends decorated a St. George family’s sidewalk with chalk art after they said a pride flag flying at their home was stepped on, stolen and thrown in a port-a-potty.

The family captured the upsetting images on home surveillance camera and said the actions were all targeted at the pride flag they had put out during Pride Week in southern Utah.

I started getting people driving by and picking it up and throwing it, said Shally Sorensen. Then the last time, two boys walked by and actually stole it.

After the flag was stolen on Saturday, Sorensens neighbor found it in a port-a-potty toilet and said the bottom of it had been set on fire.

It had been burned and stuffed into the toilet in the port-a-potty. It shook us up pretty badly, Sorensen said. My heart sank and I got kind of shaky that someone would do that.

Sorensen, a wife and mother of four kids, said she wanted to join in pride week in southern Utah and put her flag out a week ago.

I wanted to fly the flag so that kids in our community know they are loved and wanted and needed,” she said. “I also wanted my kids to know that inclusivity is what we do.

One video showed a man jump out of a van, pick up the flag and aggressively throw it to the ground.

Another video showed a red pickup stop at the house. A passenger from that vehicle grabbed the flag from the window and dragged it before dropping it.

A third video showed a younger boy walk up, pick the flag up and throw it to the ground.

In the final video, two young boys were seen walking by the flag. They then return, grab the flag and run off with it. The next place a neighbor found the flag was in the port-a-potty.

Unbelieve that this would happen in our little town, Sorensen said.

In an amazing show of support for the Sorensens’ situation, dozens of friends and neighbors showed up at the family’s house on Sunday to do chalk art on her driveway.

It was a beautiful night of people coming together, Sorensen said. We had a lot of hugs and a lot of tears but they were tears of joy it was a beautiful night.”

Dozens of friends and neighbors showed up at the Sorensens’ house on Sunday to do chalk art on the driveway.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Matt Gephardt working with Bona Rose on the CarChex documents....

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt: West Valley woman says her extended car warranty claim was denied unfairly

Many drivers buy an extended auto warranty to cover unexpected repair bills. But when a West Valley City woman turned to her warranty provider for major help on her car's transmission, they turned her down - repeatedly.

5 hours ago

Moments before a Salt Lake City woman is hit by a white car in the Avenues....

Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio, Garna Mejia and Michael Houck, KSL TV

Doorbell camera captures another hit-and-run in Salt Lake City

New doorbell camera shows bystanders rushing to save a woman who may be another victim of an alleged serial hit-and-runner.

5 hours ago

A view of the West Temple and 200 South intersection in Salt Lake City....

Michael Houck

A major downtown Salt Lake City intersection will close from April to May

Starting April 1, the West Temple and 200 South intersection will be closed as crews replace natural gas lines.

7 hours ago

Researchers gathered in a Weber State University room for a Air Quality Summit....

Mike Anderson

Air Quality Summit puts focus on Utah air pollution and solutions

Many of the researchers who study Utah's air pollution problems are sharing what they've found while working to find solutions during Thursday's Air Quality Summit.

8 hours ago

Keith Stebbings (right) confronting Loren Richardson (left) after Richardson allegedly entered his ...

Shelby Lofton

‘He wasn’t intending to hurt anybody’: Brighton homeowner attorney says snowboarder confrontation was a misunderstanding

The Brighton man armed with a gun while confronting a snowboarder in a viral video is now facing criminal charges. But his attorney says he had the right to protect his property.

9 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

10 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Utah Family Says Pride Flag Stolen, Burned Then Thrown In Port-A-Potty