Naval Academy Graduate Charged with Hate Crime

Benjamin Michael, a Naval Academy graduate from Dallas, Texas, has been charged with a hate crime and malicious destruction of property after tearing down an LGBTQ pride flag from the Dapper Dog Tattoo Shop in Annapolis. This incident, captured on surveillance, marks the third time the shop's flag, bearing the message 'ABIDE NO HATRED,' has been vandalized. The shop posted images of the suspect online, and with community assistance, Michael was identified and reported to the police. A court summons has been issued for Michael, but it has not yet been served, and a court date is pending. Michael, a former U.S. Marine, allegedly committed the act motivated by the flag's representation of sexual orientation and gender identity. The Dapper Dog Tattoo Shop has expressed gratitude to the community for their support and reinforced its commitment to being a safe space for all individuals.