UPDATE: Bethel PD Looking For 2 Who Burned Cafe's LGBTQ Flag

BETHEL, CT — Police say they are looking for two people caught on surveillance video burning the rainbow-colored LGBTQ pride flag which hung in front of Molten Java Café on Greenwood Avenue Saturday night.

The video also shows one of the people returning to the front of the business to leave the burnt remnants of the flag by the front door, to be discovered by an employee Sunday morning.

Captain Heather Burnes of the Bethel Police Department told Patch the agency has not officially classified the incident as a hate crime, but "hasn't ruled out that possibility."

"It is being treated very seriously, and we will pursue anyone who is caught to the fullest extent of the law," the first selectman said. "I am disgusted by it. It is a form of political intimidation that has no place in a free society anywhere."

Bethel resident and State Rep. Raghib Allie-Brennan said he was "confident that the actions of one or a few, does not represent the views of our town."

"Being gay especially in a small town is not easy. Symbols like the pride flag have more meaning than just gay pride, it defines a community of acceptance and love," Allie-Brennan said. "This act of hate, although heartbreaking, serves as an opportunity for a conversation about acceptance and kindness."

Wendy Cahill, the owner of Molten Java, has been in business for decades, according to First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker, "and is one of two registrars of voters, and works to ensure voting rights."

"To have her business targeted like that, it makes me sick."

Anyone with any more information is urged to contact Det. DiRago at the Bethel Police Department at 203-743-5500 x115.