[Publius6961]

And you later called my property-argument a “red herring.” Idiot.

Yes, I did.
I know what a red herring is.

Your entire argument was that it was not his flag to abuse; however, the substance of the discussion was the abuse itself; hence, the derailment of the important issue the thread is about.

Genius.

[1rudeboy]

"Substance" is not for you to determine. You invited that others explain to you what triggers the investigation of whether the "hate crime" statute has been violated. So here's your "substance:"

A summons was issued for Peter Lynch, 30, by the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court for criminal damage to property, said Lt. Pat Davis, spokesman for UNM Police. [emphasis added]

I don't care how the hate crime statute is worded in this jurisdiction, nor do I care to find out. I'll note that you are assuming that, if I stole/vandalized/whatever your American flag, it would not be investigated as a "hate crime."

Your confusion over the property issue is the real red herring here.