(Originally written on 11/06/19): The Blazing Saddle is a gay bar in Des Moines. Its owners report that the bar was vandalized early today and its rainbow flag was burned. Here is what they had to say earlier today:Recently, the Blazing Saddle was the subject of vandalism. The rainbow American flag that we proudly fly by our front door was purposely torn down and set on fire after hours. The flag did not stay ablaze after the vandal left but was left on the sidewalk for passersby to see the next day.
Luckily, events like this are few and far between. The days of bars on the windows and locking doors to keep customers safe inside are long past. The Blazing Saddle has been and still remains a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community regardless of what the political and/or social climate might be outside of our doors. Minor things like this will not deter us from our continued support of our community on a daily basis.
The Blazing Saddle, along with our neighbors, strive to make the East Village a safe place for everyone to live, work and enjoy. We will continue to do so by being vigilant when things like this occur. As always, we appreciate our local authorities and media outlets for their support as well.Des Moines police are now searching fro the man who burned the Blazing Saddle's flag. And we know that it was a man who did it because his bad deeds were recorded by a surveillance camera. Police have indicated that the suspect faces charges of criminal mischief and arson.
Updated on 11/07/19: Earlier today, Des Moines police arrested Daniel Rosemark in connection to yesterday's rainbow flag burning outside of the Blazing Saddle gay bar.
Rosemark has been charged with criminal mischief in violation of individual rights, which is considered a serious misdemeanor hate crime.