Owners of The Book Man want to press charges after a man accosted bookstore staff, uttering threats, spitting, and using hate speech.
“The man had approached our storefront with unbridled hostility after seeing our rainbow flag that we fly with pride out front of our business,” Book Man owner Amber Price wrote in public post after it happened.
They immediately reported the May 5 incident to RCMP, which included the threats of violence and arson.
“This man used horrible words. Unthinkable phrases,” the post continued. “He used countless expletives, called my staff and husband disgusting names that have no place in my city.”
The security footage shows the man wore sunglasses, gloves and a ball cap.
“My husband put himself on the line, and stood toe to toe with this man, narrowly dodging this man’s poorly aimed gob of spit that he launched at him after calling him derogatory names geared towards shaming people for who they love,” Price said.
In one of photos of the RCMP Safe Place Program rainbow sticker can be seen on the storefront window.
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“The Book Man is a designated Safe Place with the RCMP,” Price continued. “We proudly provide an inclusive space that celebrates our LGBTQ2+ staff, clients and community members.”
It’s part of their “core values” to provide a welcoming space where people are safe to be themselves.
“The Book Man is a place that values respect, inclusion and love,” Price noted. “And both personally, and as a business owner I have no tolerance for hatred, homophobia or bigotry. I intend to press charges, and see this all the way through the justice system if we are able to identify him.”
Anyone with information on the identity of the individual in question can call the Chilliwack RCMP non-emergency line at 604-792-4611, or anonymously at CrimeStoppers 1-800-222-8477.
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