Gunman Shoots Out Windows of Orlando Gay Bar Is Suspected Hate Crime

The windows of an Orlando gay bar were shot at by a gunman last Wednesday, January 18, between 3.30am and 4am at District Dive bar in Orlando’s Milk District.

According to Pink News: Located within the Southern Nights complex – home to several queer venues – the establishment is described as the area’s “newest LGBT dive bar”.

CCTV footage shared on the bar’s Facebook page shows a person shooting at the windows at close-range before fleeing.

The offender appears to be wearing a hoodie or hooded jacket, with a gun hung on their shoulder.

In the Facebook post, District Dive’s owners described the incident as a “suspected hate crime” and urged people living in the area to “please stay safe.”

In a statement, Orlando Police Department Chief Eric Smith said: “The Orlando Police Department does not tolerate criminal behavior of any kind. Whoever committed this brazen vandalism against our city’s LGBTQ+ businesses will be held accountable.”

Democratic state congresswoman Anna Eskamani shared news of the incident on Twitter and affirmed her commitment to LGBTQ+ equality.

She wrote: “My heart is so heavy – early Wednesday between the hours of 3.30am and 4am, the Southern Nights Complex (District Dive, Southern Craft and Southern Nights) was a target of a hate crime.

“Orlando police department is investigating the crime – if anyone has any information PLEASE contact OPD immediately. A video has been posted on the District Dive’s Facebook page.

“As stated on their Facebook page: The venue will still be working under normal operating hours today and through the weekend and will be prioritizing safety and security.

“At Team Anna, we remain committed to LGBTQ+ equality and safety for all.”

My heart is so heavy– early Wednesday morning between the hours of 3:30am and 4:00am the Southern Nights Complex (District Dive, Southern Craft and Southern Nights) was a target of a hate crime. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/rHPV6qwlAG

— Rep. Anna V. Eskamani 🔨 (@AnnaForFlorida) January 18, 2023

The violent act against LGBTQ businesses had Orlando leaders on edge.

“Orlando’s top LGBTQ bar strip has been vandalized,” tweeted Carlos Guillermo Smith, an LGBTQ+ activist and former state lawmaker. “Please be careful out there, ya’ll!”

The worst attack victimizing the LGBTQ+ community in U.S. history occurred in the Florida community in 2016, when a gunman killed 49 at the Pulse nightclub shooting before being killed by police in a standoff.

“We are dismayed at what seems to be a hate crime on another one of our queer spaces. Last night, someone shot out the windows at District Dive—one of our safe spaces,” read a statement from The Dru Project, an LGBTQ+ rights nonprofit launched after the Pulse shooting. “As we learn more, please keep in mind the communities who are continually retraumatized by shootings like this.”