"Vandalism was the problem though, but it's so small..."
You're still damaging public property.
Washington State Legislature says in 9A.48.090 that "Malicious mischief in the third degree" is when someone "Writes, paints, or draws any inscription, figure, or mark of any type on any public or private building or other structure or any real or personal property owned by any other person unless the person has obtained the express permission of the owner or operator of the property, under circumstances not amounting to malicious mischief in the first or second degree."
They also committed a hate crime.
Washing State Legislature says in 9A.36.080 that "(1) A person is guilty of a hate crime offense if the person maliciously and intentionally commits one of the following acts because of their perception of another person's race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or mental, physical, or sensory disability:" These people committed part B which is "Causes physical damage to or destruction of the property of another"
If people are so petty that they need to damage public property that has a representation (flag in this case) of a peaceful minority, they have problems.
