Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich announces the indictment of a man who targeted the homes of people displaying Pride flags and bunting.

Thomas Niehaus, 52, was indicted on seven charges of aggravated arson and three charges of arson related to nine flags or bunting that were burned in the Cincinnati neighborhoods of Clifton and Northside. In one instance, the fire was set to a yard sign with a picture of a Ukrainian flag.

In seven of the offenses, which were all committed on July 30, the flags and bunting were attached to homes.

“I am deeply disturbed and outraged by these arsons,” said Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich. “These were not acts of random vandalism. They were targeted, hateful attempts to intimidate and silence members of our community. Everyone deserves to feel safe and seen in their own neighborhoods. We will not tolerate hate in any form, and we stand firmly with our LGBTQIA+ neighbors, so they know they are supported, valued, and protected.”



While Ohio has a law aimed at protecting people from ethnic intimidation, it does not cover sexual orientation or gender identity. It enhances the penalty for certain lower-level offenses but does not apply to aggravated arson.