Most recent update: November 22, 2024
Early on Monday morning, the SF Eagle Bar, a mainstay of San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ community, was broken into. Two guys entered the building after midnight using keys and a security code, according to KTVU, and stole a safe that held checks totaling more than $25,000 that were meant for the bar employees. Thankfully, the bar has already donated about $23,000 through a GoFundMe effort to help mitigate the financial impact.
In a statement obtained by Hoodline Bay Area, a spokesman of the pub stated, “As a landmark San Francisco queer business and a cornerstone in the LGBT and Leather communities, the SF Eagle Bar is committed to staying open in the face of these crimes.” “In 2024, the Eagle helped more than 50 queer nonprofits raise over $80,000, and we are committed to persevering through adversity to increase our support in 2025,” they continued, highlighting the important role the SF Eagle plays in the community at large.
The proprietor of the iconic tavern at the intersection of 12th and Harrison Streets, Lex Montiel, expressed a profound sense of violation over the incident. Montiel told KTVU, “This kind of situation is really demoralizing, devastating, really.” “It makes me super sad, and I’m angry and frustrated, and so many other feelings.” Another level of betrayal was introduced by the link between the cleaning team and the crime. Lucas Molina-Hernandez, 31, was arrested as a result of the suspicion, but his accomplice is still at large. Because of the insider’s role, the safe breach has become even more personal and has revealed a troubling lack of confidence in the community.
Through its social media platforms, the SF Eagle has mobilized support in the wake of the crime, demonstrating the extent of the impact on its employees and customers. “The pub provides a living for our employees. In an SF Eagle Instagram post, Montiel stated, “This burglary impacts not only the SF Eagle but also the people who make it a cornerstone of our community.” The GoFundMe campaign, which aims to reduce the financial loss and pay necessary property repairs, was also disclosed in the post.
Montiel’s feelings on the theft, which felt personal, were shared by manager Randy Maupin. It is both our home and our space. It’s what we provide to our communities and employees. Maupin said KTVU, “So you take it personally when someone comes in and invades and steals from you.” As the pub seeks to reopen and go on serving the community, preparations for improvements to improve ADA compliance will continue despite the setback.
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