On the 22nd of August, LGBTQ activists chalked back the colors erased by DeSantis from the Pulse rainbow crosswalk for the second day in a row. This time however, the chalk was a warmup-and effective concealment for what came next.
Next came paint over and soaking into the chalk, in colors matching the chalk. In a few minutes, activists chanting “our history will not be erased” succeeded in restoring the rainbow crosswalk for real. Two local cop cars and one FL Highway Patrol car drove by without stopping. It is unknown if they were deterred by their short numbers vs the crowd,didn’t realize the chalk had now turned to paint, or their masters knewthe political consequences of attacking LGBTQ activists at Pulse would be exceptionally unpleasant. As of the night after there are no known arrests from this direct action.
It was at Pulse that a homegrown terrorist representing DAESH/ISIS killed 49 members of our community and wounded 53 more. This was the worst mass shooting in US history at that time. DAESH differs only in branding from what DeSantis and his minions as well as much of Trump’s administration are pushing. Much of their programs are the same. Daesh attacked Pulse, now DeSantis is attacking the memorial to those we lost.
The night after the crosswalk was repainted, the State of Florida reportedly sent yet another road crew to again paint over the community’s work.