Man Pleads Guilty to Burning Pride, Ukrainian Flags in Cincinnati

Thomas Brian Niehaus faces up to 20 years in prison for malicious use of fire.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:08pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a charred, twisted metal object against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the aftermath of a hate crime targeting a Pride or Ukrainian flag.The aftermath of a hate crime targeting a symbol of LGBTQ+ or Ukrainian pride exposes the lasting damage of intolerance.Clifton Today

A 52-year-old man has pleaded guilty in federal court to setting fire to multiple Pride flags and a Ukrainian flag in the Northside and Clifton neighborhoods of Cincinnati last year. Thomas Brian Niehaus, who claims to have been a professional violinist, admitted to the crimes and cited anti-LGBTQ views and drunken rage as his motivations.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges communities face in protecting marginalized groups from hate-motivated crimes, especially in the wake of increased political polarization and the spread of misinformation about LGBTQ issues. The incident also underscores the need for greater mental health support and resources to prevent such acts of violence.

The details

According to court documents, on July 30, 2025, Niehaus set fire to seven Pride flags, one Pride decoration, a sign supporting Ukraine, and a Ukrainian flag across ten different homes between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. Surveillance footage captured Niehaus yelling homophobic slurs and threatening statements like 'I hope it burns your (expletive) house down' and 'kill 'em all!' Niehaus was arrested the next day and admitted to setting the fires, claiming he was motivated by anti-LGBTQ views and drunken rage.

  • On July 30, 2025, Niehaus allegedly set fire to the flags and decorations.
  • Niehaus was arrested the day after the incidents.

The players

Thomas Brian Niehaus

A 52-year-old man who pleaded guilty in federal court to malicious use of fire for setting fire to Pride flags and a Ukrainian flag in Cincinnati. Niehaus claimed to have been a professional violinist who performed with groups like the New York City quartet and the Boston Pops Orchestra.

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What they’re saying

“I hope it burns your (expletive) house down”

— Thomas Brian Niehaus

“kill 'em all!”

— Thomas Brian Niehaus

What’s next

Niehaus faces up to 20 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 5 years, when he is sentenced at a later date.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing need for greater mental health resources, education, and support to prevent hate-motivated crimes against marginalized communities, as well as the importance of robust law enforcement and judicial responses to protect vulnerable groups from violence.