A Fulton County grand jury has indicted a Pennsylvania man for allegedly vandalizing booths and defecating on a Pride flag at a Global Black Pride event in Atlanta in August.
The state of Georgia also issued a notice of intent on Friday to seek enhanced penalties for a hate crime, arguing that Ralph George Drabic’s actions targeted Black and LGBTQ individuals.
“The Defendant’s choice to damage property related to this event by its very nature demonstrates that he intentionally selected this group of victims and the property that was the object of the offenses because of the victims’ actual and perceived race, color, sex, sexual orientation, and gender,” the notice of intent reads.
Global Black Pride took place from Aug. 27 to Sept. 2, aiming to bring together Black LGBTQ people from around the world.
According to the Friday indictment, Drabic faces one count of criminal damage to property in the second degree motivated by bias or prejudice and one count of criminal trespass motivated by bias or prejudice.
Drabic allegedly took an LGBTQ pride flag from exhibitor TransWave Jamaica and Renae Green without their consent and defecated on it on Aug. 28, 2024, at The Starling hotel in Midtown, the location of the Global Black Village Exhibition Center and Main Stage.
In addition to destroying the Pride flag, Drabic allegedly damaged more than $500 worth of property belonging to Global Black Pride vendors and participants, including furniture, pamphlets, trophies, artwork, clothing, signs, crystal singing bowls, electronic devices and other items on the same day.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis announced the indictment and the hate crime notice at a Friday press conference ahead of Atlanta Pride weekend Oct. 12-13.
“It is a shame that this mark was put on this event of celebration,” Willis said Friday, referring to the Global Black Pride event.
Willis delivered a strong warning against potential hate crimes as the city prepares to celebrate Atlanta Pride on Saturday and Sunday.
“We are diligent in combating crimes committed against any community,” she said.
“This is a community where absolutely every single person is welcome. We want everyone to come here, to thrive here and to enjoy their time in Atlanta,” she added.
According to Willis, a warrant is out for Drabic’s arrest, but he has not yet been arrested.
Atlanta Pride is returning with a slate of events, including performances, wellness events and rallies. The official Atlanta Pride Parade will take place on Sunday at noon, starting at the Civic Center MARTA station and ending at the Charles Allen Gate at Piedmont Park.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said at the Friday press conference that the police will continue to provide extra public safety resources to the Atlanta Pride Parade, adding that the alleged vandalism during Global Black Pride is not representative of the city.
