Police investigate vandalism of rainbow crosswalk in Surrey, B.C., captured on video

SURREY — Police in Surrey, B.C., are investigating after video of people vandalizing a rainbow crosswalk was posted on social media over the weekend by the leader of a registered political party.

Police say they identified three people of interest, and evidence is being gathered to support possible criminal charges, although no arrests have been made.

Amrit Birring, who is the leader of the Freedom Party of British Columbia, posted video showing him and another man spraying black paint on the crosswalk, while a third waves a placard.

Birring, who confirmed in an interview that it is him in the video, said in another post that police were called by a “nasty lady,” who wasn’t happy with them putting black lines on the crosswalk.

Police said officers were sent to Holland Park on Saturday after they were notified of a protest taking place, in which “black paint was apparently used.”

Birring said in an interview that he has not been charged with a crime.

“They probably will make their strategy because this thing is not as simple as someone doing vandalism. It’s a highly political thing, so they need to treat it carefully as well,” he said of police.

He said he does not view the act as vandalism.

“It’s sending a message,” he said. “This is part of activism.”

Birring has unsuccessfully stood as a candidate in federal and provincial elections and for Surrey’s mayoralty.

He received 371 votes when he stood in the 2024 provincial election in Surrey-Newton.

Surrey Pride denounced the vandalism.

“This is an act of hate and has been reported to the police and mayor’s office,” the group says in a Facebook post.

Independent Surrey-Cloverdale Legislator Elenor Sturko says in a post on social media platform X that she’s disgusted by the vandalism.

“Vandalism is not protected free speech. As Pride Month begins, I stand in solidarity with the community and condemn hate in all its forms,” she says.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 1, 2026.

The Canadian Press