A Texas man has been arrested by the FBI for allegedly threatening to shoot participants at an LGBTQ+ Pride parade in Abilene, in what authorities say was an act of revenge for the murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
Joshua Cole, a local resident, is accused of using a Facebook account under the name 'Jay Dubya' to post threats ahead of the Abilene Pride parade on 20 September. According to court documents, one post read: 'Fk their parade, I say we lock and load and pay them back for taking out Charlie Kirk.' Another stated: 'There's only like 30 of em we can send a clear message to the rest of them.'
Kirk was shot dead on 10 September at Utah Valley University. Utah prosecutors allege Tyler Robinson killed Kirk after becoming sick of what he perceived as Kirk's 'hatred', with investigators noting Robinson had become 'more pro-gay and trans rights oriented' in the year prior.
FBI Special Agent Sam Venuti stated that Cole admitted to owning a firearm, operating the Facebook account, and making the threatening posts. Cole reportedly agreed that 'a reasonable person could interpret his comments as a threat' but denied intending to carry out the shooting. Venuti concluded the threats were 'specific' and not conditional.
Cole faces up to five years in prison if convicted under federal law prohibiting threatening communications. He appeared in court and was ordered to remain in custody pending further proceedings. The Abilene Pride Alliance praised the swift action of authorities, stating that safety remains their top priority.
