Two Suspects Charged After Pride Flag Burned in Markham

June 11, 2026 Media Release

Investigators with the York Regional Police Hate Crime Prevention Unit have charged two suspects after a Pride flag was damaged and set on fire at a secondary school in the City of Markham.

On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, officers responded to a school in the area of Yonge Street and Clark Avenue following reports that a Pride flag had been burned.

The investigation determined that on Monday, June 8, 2026, at approximately 11 p.m., two suspects attended the school, removed the Pride flag from its holder, ripped it and attempted to set it on fire.

Sepehr ABADAR, 18, of Markham, and Mahan Mohammad RADMARD, 18, of Markham, have each been charged with Mischief Under $5,000.

Investigators believe the incident was hate-motivated.

York Regional Police takes all hate-motivated incidents seriously and will not tolerate any form of hate crime. All reports of hate crime or hate/bias incidents are investigated thoroughly. Anyone who witnesses or has been the victim of a hate crime or hate/bias incident is encouraged to report it to police immediately.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Hate Crime Prevention Unit by calling 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6552 or by email at hatecrime@yrp.ca. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS or by visiting www.1800222tips.com.

Crime prevention is our shared responsibility: Find up-to-date crime data in York Region on the Community Safety Data Portal, or become a partner in community safety by signing up for the Security Camera Registry today.