One arrested in investigation of anti-LGBTQ+ hate at Brianna Ghey vigil

A 13-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of a public order offence following anti-LGBTQ+ hate, which was shouted prior to the Brianna Ghey vigil in Birmingham. On Friday, February 17 the community in Birmingham gathered to hold a vigil in honour of Brianna Ghey – a teenage girl murdered in Warrington – but before the event could begin, those already gathered were subjected to anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ+ abuse.

Trans rights activist and Birmingham Pride’s Director of Innovation, Eva Echo, was being interviewed by I Am Birmingham, at the time of the incident, so the abuse was caught on video. Southside security staff eventually managed to usher the group of offenders away before the vigil was held, allowing the community to gather in peace. A report was initiated with West Midlands Police following the incident, and Eva Echo also gave her statement to aid the investigation.

Investigations are still ongoing to identify the remaining suspects in this case, and the 13-year-old boy who was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence has since been referred to a Young Offenders’ Team.

In a statement from West Midlands Police, Scene was told: “Anyone with information can contact 101 or use Live Chat on our website quoting crime number 20/191229/23.”