Madison Man Arrested for Damaging Pride Flags on Waverly Place

Local Police Capture Suspect through Surveillance Footage, Ensuring Quick Repairs and Re-display of Flags

MADISON, NJ – A 21-year-old Madison resident, Cormac M. McNamara, was arrested and charged with Criminal Mischief on Monday morning, following his alleged involvement in the vandalism of Pride flags displayed on Waverly Place. The incident, which occurred early Sunday at around 5:00 am, led to a swift police response and subsequent arrest.

According to the Madison Police, officers were called to the scene after reports surfaced that six Pride flags were forcibly removed from their mounts and several were found damaged. These flags, which are hoisted annually in June to celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community, were captured being discarded by McNamara on a nearby business's surveillance video.

The suspect was seen disposing of the flags into a trash receptacle in front of the Chase Bank on Waverly Place. The police swiftly recovered the flags, which were then secured at the Public Safety Building. Following repairs undertaken by the Public Works Department, the flags were re-displayed earlier today.

McNamara was apprehended at his residence without resistance, transported to police headquarters for processing, and later released on a complaint summons. His court appearance is scheduled at the Madison Joint Municipal Court.

The Madison Police collaborated closely with the Morris County Prosecutor's Office throughout the investigation to determine the nature of the crime. It was concluded that the incident did not meet the criteria for a biased crime.

"I want to commend the quick actions of our officers in their response, investigation, and apprehension of our suspect. We take this act very seriously, and this type of behavior has no place in Madison or anywhere else," said Chief Miscia.

"Madison is a welcoming community, and the acts that occurred over the weekend were a prime example of what type of behavior will not be tolerated in Madison. Since 2019, we have been proudly displaying the Pride flags downtown to recognize all LGBTQIA+ residents whose influential and lasting contributions make Madison a vibrant community in which to live, work, and visit. I applaud and thank MPD and DPW for their swift response to this case and their quick work to reinstall the Pride Flags," said Mayor Robert H. Conley.

As the case progresses, it is important to remember that a criminal complaint is not evidence of guilt. McNamara is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.