Chicago-Area Gay Bar Destroyed By Arson

Arson investigators are on the scene of the Chicago-area gay bar Velvet Rope after it was destroyed yesterday in a fire. Anti-gay slurs were found scrawled on the bar’s walls.

The fire was reported at about 6:25 a.m. Sunday after someone smelled smoke, said Oak Park Police Sgt. Anthony Thomas. Flames charred the inside of the club, but no injuries were reported. Elliott said he left the club at 2 a.m. He said a door had been kicked in but a safe hadn’t been removed from his office. “My stomach has been in knots since 6:30 this morning,” Elliott told WGN-TV. “My whole life, everything that I’ve worked for … my whole life is on the line and I don’t know what to think or even begin with.” He said he hopes to rebuild his damaged business.

(Tipped by JMG reader TC)