NEW ORLEANS — A plaque memorializing the victims of the 1973 fire at the UpStairs Lounge was stolen from the historic building, and now the New Orleans Police Department is searching for a suspect.
The New Orleans Police Department released a video of the suspect stealing the plaque. The video appears to show a man removing the plaque and putting it in a garbage can. Police say he eventually rolled the garbage can away.
"The act of removing or damaging this memorial is not just a petty theft; it is an assault on the memories of those who perished and an affront to the values we hold dear as a community. The New Orleans Police Department is fully committed to investigating this crime and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable," said NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick.
The plaque memorialized the victims of the fatal arson fire that was set at the French Quarter gay-friendly bar in the 600 block of Iberville Street. Many of those killed were trapped behind barred windows. Others were killed in the stampede of people trying to escape.
June 24, 1973, an arsonist set fire to the UpStairs Lounge, killing 32 people. One of the deadliest attacks on the LGBTQ+ community in American history.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the NOPD at (504) 658-6080.
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