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Arsonist sets popular Northern Virginia gay bar ablaze

Courtesy Frankie Lutz

The entryway of Freddie’s Beach Bar suffers fire damage and scorched a Christmas tree at Crystal City Sports Pub.

A person was seen on video setting fire to three Arlington businesses, including Freddie’s Beach Bar.

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A popular Virginia gay bar became the target of an arson attack early Thursday morning. Freddie’s Beach Bar, a long-time LGBTQ-owned business in Arlington, was one of three local establishments targeted in an act of arson that has shaken the community and sparked questions about the motives behind the crime.

Freddie Lutz, the bar’s owner, told The Advocate about the moment he learned of the attack.

“The gentleman across the street called and said, ‘Freddie, there’s a fire at your place. The firemen are here and the police,’” Lutz said. “I rushed down, and thankfully, they got it under control before it spread beyond the vestibule. It could have been so much worse.”

Freddys Beach Bar Arson A door at McNamara’s Pub reveals damage from a suspected arson attack.Courtesy Frankie Lutz

The fire, which, according toMetro Weekly, investigators believe was started with kerosene, scorched the French doors and vestibule roof but was contained before it spread to the rest of the building. The attack occurred just hours after Freddie’s received a disturbing anonymous phone call, Lutz said.

While two other businesses—Crystal City Sports Pub and McNamara’s Pub—were also targeted, Lutz said that police have not ruled out anti-LGBTQ+ animus as a potential motive for the attack on Freddie’s.

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“I go back and forth about whether this was because we’re a gay bar,” he told The Advocate. “The other two businesses aren’t gay, so it seems like someone was just angry. But the police told me it could be a combination of things—anger at us for being gay and anger at the other places for different reasons.”

Freddys Beach Bar Arson A Chrstmas tree was lit ablaze at Crystal City Sports Pub.Courtesy Frankie Lutz

It’s not the first time that Freddie’s has been threatened. Last April, a bomb threat interrupted a Drag Queen Story Hour event at the bar, forcing an evacuation. Lutz said that days later, he received a death threat naming him personally and listing his home address. “In 23 years of running Freddie’s, we’ve had very little trouble until recently,” Lutz said. “Now it feels like the rhetoric and climate are fueling this kind of hostility.” He added that he worries that with the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, incidents like Thursday’s will increase.

In response to the attack, the Equality Chamber of Commerce issued a letter condemning the arson and calling for action. “These venues are not merely establishments; they are spaces where friendships are forged, love is celebrated, and the vibrant fabric of our diverse community is woven together,” the letter read. The chamber urged the community to show solidarity by supporting the affected businesses and promoting their recovery efforts. “Now, more than ever, it is crucial to show that love, resilience, and unity are stronger than any force of hatred.”

Freddie’s Beach Bar has remained open for business despite the attack, and the outpouring of support has heartened Lutz. “I’ve received so many texts, calls, and visits from people saying how much they love Freddie’s and that they’re here to support us. It’s been overwhelming,” Lutz said.

The Arlington County Fire and Police Departments are actively investigating the attack. Surveillance footage shows an individual carrying what appears to be an accelerant canister near Freddie’s before the fire ignited. The Advocate reached out to Arlington County Police for comment.

In a statement to The Advocate, Capt. Jamie Jill, public information officer for the Arlington County Fire Department, said, “We don’t have any new details to share at this time as the investigation is still ongoing. We encourage anyone with information about the incident to reach out to Lt. Kanthula at 571-357-0769.”

Watch the surveillance video released by the Arlington County government below.

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Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.