NYPD: Suspect in custody after brick thrown into LGBTQ bar in Hell's Kitchen
NEW YORK - The NYPD has arrested a suspect after a man was caught on video throwing a brick into an LGBTQ bar in Hell's Kitchen.
It happened Saturday night as people gathered inside the bar Vers on Ninth Avenue near West 49th Street.
Sean Kuilan, 34, faces criminal mischief, weapons and reckless endangerment charges.
Sources say he confessed to three incidents. He told police this was revenge against an employee of the bar, sources said.
The owners posted a picture of the brick on Instagram, saying "Come by and join us for a drink! #BusinessAsUsual."
No one was hurt.
Police are investigating bricks and rocks being thrown at the building on two prior occasions.
"One in five hate crimes are LGBTQ focused right now," Jonathan Lovitz, president of the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, told CBS2.
The NYPD says hate crimes against the community are up 46%.
"This is not going to scare us away from going where we deserve to be and being where we should be all the time," Lovitz added.
🚨WANTED for CRIMINAL MISCHIEF: On 11/13,15,&19/22, at 714 9 Ave @NYPDMTN Manhattan. The suspect threw a rock at the window of Vers nightclub causing damage. Any info call us at 800-577-TIPS or anonymously post a tip on our website https://t.co/TRPPY5zHV2 Reward UP to $3,500 pic.twitter.com/NqEYbXaung
— NYPD Crime Stoppers (@NYPDTips) November 22, 2022