Abilene, Texas — A 42-year-old man has been taken into custody following threatening statements regarding a local Pride Parade, which he allegedly positioned as retaliation for the death of a conservative influencer. Joshua Cole faces charges after making violent comments on social media that suggested a potential attack on participants.
On September 18, Cole reportedly expressed his intent to harm parade attendees on Facebook, stating he felt compelled to “pay them back.” Allegedly, he described the parade participants in derogatory terms, indicating that it would be easy to target them at the event. His comments followed a post indicating that firearms would be prohibited during the parade festivities.
The day after his online remarks, the FBI arrested Cole. He informed authorities that he did not plan to act on his threats but voiced his disapproval of the event itself. According to an FBI affidavit, his threats were directed specifically at individuals participating in the Pride event.
Cole appeared in court on Thursday, where he was charged with making threatening communications. He remains in custody as he awaits further legal proceedings.
In response to the incident, the Abilene Pride organization released a statement addressing the community’s concerns. They reported being alerted to the threat on Thursday evening, prompting them to notify local law enforcement. By the following morning, the FBI had apprehended Cole, and additional security measures were implemented to ensure the safety of attendees.
The Abilene Pride organization thanked the community for their significant support, which included donations exceeding $4,000 to bolster safety initiatives during the Pride celebrations. They emphasized their ongoing commitment to creating a secure and welcoming atmosphere for all participants.
As investigations continue, the organization has opted not to provide further comments, citing the active nature of the inquiry. They reiterated their gratitude to law enforcement for their swift actions that contributed to a safer environment amid the ongoing festivities.
The incident raises serious concerns about the potential impact of targeted threats against marginalized communities, highlighting the need for vigilance and support from both law enforcement and civic organizations.