Police seek man who threw firework into crowd celebrating Pride, injuring several people

Police are reportedly investigating the incident as a possible hate crime. 

Multiple people were injured during a Hermosa Beach Pride silent disco festival after a man threw a lit firework into the crowd, police said Tuesday as they sought leads in finding the man.

The event was held June 17 at the Vista on 11 Pier Avenue as part of the city’s third annual Gay Pride celebration. Around 9:45 p.m. that evening, officers spoke to a 911 caller who reported the attack and stated that the firework had exploded in the middle of the crowd, police said.

Fragments from the firework hit and injured multiple people, Hermosa Beach police said in a statement. Details on how many people were injured or the type of firework used were unavailable.

The suspect fled the scene and has not been located as of Wednesday evening. A report by ABC7 said that due to the nature of the event, police are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.

Surveillance footage of the suspect shows a man between 18-25 years old wearing a red, white, and blue helmet, dark pants, and a black sweatshirt with a yellow lining. He was seen riding a beach cruiser with an attached gas-powered motor and an American flag on the rear end, according to police.

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