Man Arrested for Vandalizing East Providence Pride Crosswalk

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The Pride crosswalk in East Providence, a symbol of inclusivity, shows signs of vandalism.

News Summary

A 40-year-old man, Antonio Formisano, has been arrested for vandalizing the Pride crosswalk in East Providence. The incident, which involved tire marks running through the vibrant crosswalk, has sparked strong condemnation from city officials, including Mayor Bob DaSilva. Formisano has been charged with misdemeanor vandalism and released on $2,000 bail, facing conditions to stay out of legal trouble until his next court hearing. The act is seen as a troubling trend against symbols of community inclusivity.

East Providence – A man has been arrested for vandalizing the city’s Pride crosswalk, an act that has drawn significant attention and condemnation from city officials. The incident occurred on Sunday night when a tire mark was reported running through the colorful crosswalk located on Taunton Avenue.

The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Antonio Formisano, was apprehended and charged with misdemeanor vandalism. Following his arrest, he made a court appearance on Monday where a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. Formisano was released on a $2,000 bail under personal recognizance, which means he did not have to pay cash upfront but must adhere to certain conditions. These conditions include staying out of legal trouble and returning to court as scheduled.

During the court proceedings, Formisano received a warning from the judge. If he violates the conditions of his release, he risks having his bail revoked, which could lead to incarceration for up to 90 days. His next court hearing is scheduled for July 8.

The vandalized Pride crosswalk has become an important symbol of inclusivity for the East Providence community. After the incident, tire skid marks were still visible on the crosswalk by Monday afternoon, highlighting the nature of the act. In response to the vandalism, East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva expressed strong disapproval, emphasizing the significant role that the Pride crosswalk plays in promoting acceptance and diversity in the community.

This incident is not the first time themed crosswalks in East Providence have been targeted. The city has previously witnessed vandalism of American flag crosswalks in 2024 and 2025, indicating a troubling trend regarding such displays of community spirit. Mayor DaSilva noted that acts of vandalism like this represent a negative narrative contrary to the community values that East Providence strives to uphold.

The Pride crosswalk, painted in vibrant rainbow colors, was intended to serve as a visual affirmation of the city’s dedication to embracing individuals from all backgrounds. As the investigation continues, community members and officials hope for a swift resolution while also seeking to uphold the message of acceptance that the crosswalk embodies.

As East Providence moves forward, city officials remain committed to fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated and protected against acts of vandalism and hatred. The ongoing support for the Pride crosswalk is expected to continue as citizens rally around their commitment to inclusivity and respect for all.