


REDWOOD CITY — Two 13-year-old boys have been arrested on suspicion of shouting homophobic statements and throwing fireworks at a pride celebration in Redwood City, police said.
The incident happened around 5:55 p.m. Wednesday during the city’s annual pride event at Courthouse Square, the Redwood City Police Department said in a news release.
The suspects left the scene before officers arrived.
Officers identified two adult victims, one of whom suffered minor injuries, police said.
A portion of the alleged assault, police added, was captured on video surveillance.
Both teens were arrested — one on Wednesday and the other on Thursday — on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and committing a hate crime, police said. They were released to the custody of the San Mateo County Youth Services Center.
The case remains under investigation, police said.
Redwood City Mayor Elmer Martínez Saballos condemned the attack in a statement Friday morning.
“The act of hate and violence is unacceptable and deeply troubling. Redwood City does not tolerate hate in any form,” Saballos said. “We are committed to being a safe, welcoming and inclusive community for all. What happened (Wednesday) night is not reflective of our values.
“We will continue working with law enforcement, community leaders, and residents to ensure Courthouse Square and every space in our city is a place of safety, respect and belonging.”
The city said in a news release that Pride Month is “a time to uplift the LGBTQIA+ community and celebrate diversity, inclusion and equity,” and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that “all community events, especially those that affirm identity and belonging, are safe, welcoming, and supported.”
Anyone with information related to the case can contact the Police Department at 650-780-7100.