Wisconsin authorities arrested an Appleton man Monday after he allegedly removed a Pride flag from outside the Outagamie County Courthouse, placed it on the ground, and poured gasoline on it in an apparent attempt to burn it. Deputies intervened before the flag was ignited.

According to local reports, the incident happened around 10 a.m the morning of June 1, the first day of Pride Month. The suspect, identified by authorities as 49-year-old Steven William Paltzer, was taken into custody at the scene and booked into the Outagamie County Jail pending charges related to disorderly conduct, attempted arson, and criminal damage to property.

County officials quickly condemned the incident and raised a replacement Pride flag outside the courthouse later that day. In a public statement, Outagamie County said the flag represents “inclusion, dignity, and support” for LGBTQ+ residents and employees.

The courthouse flag display is part of broader Pride Month recognition efforts taking place across Wisconsin throughout June. The incident in Appleton comes amid ongoing national debates surrounding LGBTQ+ visibility in public spaces and government buildings.

Gov. Tony Evers’ Executive Order #297 “Authorize[s] state buildings and any jurisdiction of the State of Wisconsin to fly the Progress Pride Flag during the month of June 2026 for the purposes of recognizing Pride Month.” This includes the Outagamie County Courthouse.

Outagamie County Executive Thomas Nelson said the county would continue displaying the flag despite the incident. In his statement, he said:

“This act does not reflect who we are as a county. We are proud to stand with our LGBTQ+ community today and every day. Attempts to spread fear or division will not succeed here. We have already raised a new Pride flag because Outagamie County remains committed to respect, inclusion, and belonging for all.”

Local LGBTQ+ advocates also responded with messages of solidarity, emphasizing that acts targeting Pride symbols will not deter community visibility or support.