Bailey Island, Maine — Authorities are looking into threats made against the owners of a Bailey Island restaurant after one of them was identified as the driver of a car bearing a bumper sticker that read “MAKE ASSASSINATIONS GREAT AGAIN.”
The car reportedly belongs to Susanna “Ray” DeSilva, 32, a Topsham resident and LGBTQ activist who co-owns the Fishnet Café on Bailey Island with spouse Ashley DeSilva, who was born female and now goes by Ray, confirmed ownership of the vehicle when asked Sunday by The Maine Wire.
DeSilva said police had advised not to comment publicly, describing the backlash as “a hate crime against a transgender company.” DeSilva acknowledged receiving threats but said he did not regret displaying the bumper sticker.
Cumberland County Sheriff’s Deputy Pete Anderson told The Maine Wire that characterizing the threats as motivated by the owner’s transgender identity was “not accurate.” However, he confirmed that deputies will increase patrols in the area after an online threat was made against the restaurant building.
