Ohio Man Accused of Setting Pride Flags on Fire With Tiki Torch While Shouting Hate-Fueled Threats, Federal Charges Filed

CINCINNATI, OHIO — A 52-year-old Ohio man is facing state and federal charges after prosecutors say he set fire to multiple Pride flags and other neighborhood decorations, screaming hateful threats and filming himself as the flames burned.

Authorities identified the suspect as Thomas Niehaus, who allegedly used a tiki torch and torch fuel to ignite flags outside homes in Cincinnati’s Clifton and Northside neighborhoods on July 30.

Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich announced that Niehaus initially faced seven counts of aggravated arson and three counts of arson at the state level — but he has now been federally indicted on a count of malicious use of fire for targeting residents based on their display of Pride and Ukrainian flags.

Caught on Camera and Fueled by Hate

Home surveillance videos reportedly captured Niehaus walking up to porches and front yards, setting flags ablaze, and shouting obscenities. In one recording, he can be heard saying:

“I hope it burns your f— house down.”

Prosecutors said Niehaus also yelled slurs and phrases such as “You’re dead… kill them all” as flames spread near homes — several occupied by elderly residents.

Authorities warned that the fires, though limited to flags and signs, posed serious risks of spreading to nearby houses due to close proximity and wind conditions.

Prosecutors Call Attacks ‘Targeted, Hateful Acts’

“These were not acts of random vandalism,” said Prosecutor Pillich.

“They were targeted, hateful attempts to intimidate and silence members of our community. Everyone deserves to feel safe and seen in their own neighborhoods.”

Investigators said Niehaus admitted to setting the fires, claiming he was “full of rage” and felt he “had to do something” after speaking with a friend who encouraged his behavior.

‘Fighting for the Children,’ Defendant Shouts in Court

During an August arraignment on state charges, Niehaus reportedly had to be escorted from the courtroom after shouting, “Fighting for the children!”

Court records indicate he was intoxicated at the time of the crimes and carried the tiki torch while roaming neighborhoods in the early morning hours.

He remains held in the Butler County Jail on a federal detainer as the U.S. Attorney’s Office prepares its case.

If convicted on the federal malicious use of fire charge, Niehaus could face up to 20 years in prison.

Stay with ChicagoMusicGuide.com for continued updates on this developing hate-crime investigation.