Man set fire to pride flags on people's homes: Authorities
Share and Follow

Background: Video shows someone walking away after lighting a flag on fire (Ring/WXIX/YouTube). Inset: Thomas Niehaus (Butler County Sheriff”s Office).

An Ohio man is facing serious charges after allegedly setting fire to flags at homes in Cincinnati. Videos reportedly show him expressing satisfaction with his actions, including a moment where he reportedly said, “I hope it burns your f— house down,” according to authorities.

Thomas Niehaus, 52, has been charged with seven counts of aggravated arson and three counts of arson, as announced by Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich. In addition to these charges, Niehaus now faces a federal indictment related to his alleged activities.

The incidents took place on July 30, when Niehaus allegedly targeted residences displaying Pride flags and other similar decorations, according to Prosecutor Pillich.

The suspect is accused of wandering through the neighborhoods of Clifton and Northside in Cincinnati, deliberately setting fire to items, including a yard sign with an image of a Ukrainian flag.

Prosecutor Pillich expressed her deep concern and anger over the situation, stating, “These were not acts of random vandalism. They were targeted, hateful attempts to intimidate and silence members of our community.”

“Everyone deserves to feel safe and seen in their own neighborhoods,” she added. “We will not tolerate hate in any form, and we stand firmly with our LGBTQIA+ neighbors, so they know they are supported, valued, and protected.”

In October, Niehaus was federally indicted.

The faces one count of malicious use of fire, according to local Fox affiliate WXIX. Home security videos allegedly captured the defendant setting the fires, yelling, and in some cases laughing, saying homophobic slurs and “I hope it burns your f— house down,” as well as, “you’re dead…kill them all.”

Niehaus allegedly used a tiki torch and tiki torch fuel to burn the flags while drunk and was “full of rage,” wanting to “send them a message by burning the flags,” according to court records. He is also said to have written a statement “admitting to setting the fires, claiming that after hearing from his ‘friend’ he felt he ‘absolutely had to do something.’

Authorities stressed how the smaller fires could have caused house fires, due to the proximity of the flags to the homes and the possibility of wind playing a role. Several of the victims were also elderly.

In August, when he was arraigned on multiple state charges, Niehaus had to be escorted from the courtroom after shouting, “Fighting for the children!” WXIX reported. He remains detained in the Butler County Jail on a federal hold.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Teen Faces Two-Year Sentence for Drive-By Shooting: Understanding Youthful Offender Laws

Staff Report GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Dante Kevin McKeever-Coleman, 18, has been sentenced…

Neighborhood Dispute Turns Deadly: Man Fatally Shoots Rival During Altercation, Police Report

Inset: Jeffrey King (Clay County Sheriff’s Office). Background: The Missouri neighborhood where…

Lawmakers Accuse Governor Noem of Creating Chaos, File Impeachment Articles

Left: U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a press conference…

Brazilian Au Pair Takes Stand in High-Profile Murder Trial Against Boss Lover, Citing Justice as Motivation

A Brazilian au pair has taken the stand in a gripping murder…

Tragic Incident: Father Accused of Shaking 1-Month-Old Twins After Night of Crying

Insets: Fernando Vega and Angelina Calderon (Harris County Jail). Background: Home in…

Tragic Incident: Toddler Passes Away After Mother Administers Sleep Medication in Bottle Following Custody Loss

Insets, left to right: Maige Yang (Hennepin County Jail) and De’Ali Blia…

Shocking Planet Fitness Attack: Man Ambushes Estranged Wife’s New Partner in Bold Daylight Confrontation

Background: The Planet Fitness at Crossroads Plaza in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania (Google…

Chilling Revelations: Surgeon Allegedly Made Threats Years Before Ex-Wife and Her New Husband’s Tragic Deaths, Police Report

An Illinois surgeon, Michael D. McKee, stands accused of fatally shooting his…