An Ohio man has been accused of deliberately setting Pride flags and other decorations on fire at Cincinnati homes, with videos reportedly showing him laughing and yelling, “I hope it burns your f— house down,” authorities say.
Thomas Niehaus, 52, now faces seven counts of aggravated arson and three counts of arson at the state level, as well as a multi-count federal indictment for his alleged actions, Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich announced.
The attacks allegedly began on July 30 in the Clifton and Northside neighborhoods of Cincinnati, where Niehaus is accused of targeting homes displaying Pride flags, and even set fire to a yard sign featuring a Ukrainian flag, Pillich said.
Home security footage reportedly shows Niehaus setting the fires while intoxicated, using a tiki torch and fuel, shouting homophobic slurs, and laughing as he carried out the acts. Court records say he admitted to starting the fires, claiming he “absolutely had to do something” after hearing from a friend.
“I am deeply disturbed and outraged by these arsons,” Pillich said. “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.”
Authorities noted that the small fires could have easily spread to homes, especially with wind or flammable materials nearby. Some of the victims were elderly, heightening the danger of Niehaus’ actions.
In August, Niehaus had to be escorted from the courtroom during his arraignment on state charges after shouting, “Fighting for the children!” He remains in the Butler County Jail on a federal hold.