Texas Man Arrested for Threatening Pride Parade in Retaliation for Charlie Kirk’s Death

Federal authorities have arrested a Texas man accused of threatening a mass shooting at an upcoming Pride event in Abilene, Texas, citing his intent to retaliate for the recent death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. According to court documents, Joshua Cole, a resident of Anson, Texas, was taken into custody after he posted violent threats on social media targeting local LGBTQ+ community members and event attendees .

The arrest comes amid heightened tensions nationwide following the September 10 shooting death of Kirk at a Utah college, which has sparked a wave of online threats and calls for violence against perceived political adversaries .

Joshua Cole, 35, allegedly used a pseudonymous Facebook account, “Jay Dubya,” to comment on a public post advertising the upcoming Abilene Pride parade. In his posts, Cole reportedly wrote, “fk their parade” and threatened to “pay them back for taking out Charlie Kirk,” according to an affidavit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas . Another comment stated, “there’s only like 30 of em we can send a clear message to the rest of them,” which authorities interpreted as an explicit threat of violence intended to intimidate and target LGBTQ+ individuals.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents, in collaboration with the Abilene Police Department, identified Cole as the source of the posts and initiated a traffic stop. Cole admitted he operated the “Jay Dubya” account and authored the comments, though he denied having plans to carry out an actual attack. According to law enforcement, Cole stated he did not believe Pride events should be allowed but claimed he had no intent to physically harm parade participants .

Authorities have charged Cole with interstate communication of threats, a federal offense, and he remains in custody pending further legal proceedings .

Local LGBTQ+ organizations and Pride organizers have expressed both relief at the swift law enforcement action and concern about the ongoing risks faced by LGBTQ+ communities across the state and nation. “While we are grateful that authorities acted quickly, the fact that these kinds of threats are being made in the first place is a sobering reminder of the dangers our community continues to face,” said a spokesperson for the Abilene Pride Committee .

National LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have called for increased vigilance and support for local Pride events, noting a rise in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and violence in recent years. “Threats against LGBTQ+ events are not isolated incidents—they are part of a broader pattern of escalating hostility that must be addressed through both legal action and community solidarity,” said a representative of the Human Rights Campaign in a recent statement .

The threats against the Abilene Pride parade are part of a disturbing national trend, with several incidents reported across the United States in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death. Law enforcement agencies have documented a surge in online hate speech and calls for violence targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, events, and organizations, often amplified by high-profile acts of political violence .

Experts caution that such threats, even when not carried out, can have a chilling effect on community participation and public expression. “When individuals threaten violence, it not only endangers lives but also undermines the fundamental rights of free assembly and expression,” said a legal scholar specializing in First Amendment rights .

In response to the incident, local authorities have increased security for the upcoming Abilene Pride event, deployed additional officers, and coordinated with federal agencies to monitor online threats. Organizers have reaffirmed their commitment to holding the event as scheduled, emphasizing that visibility and resilience are essential in confronting hate and promoting acceptance .

“We will not be intimidated,” said an Abilene Pride organizer. “Our community is strong, and we are committed to celebrating Pride in safety and solidarity with our allies and supporters” .

As the case moves forward, federal authorities emphasize that threats of violence—regardless of whether they are intended as jokes or empty rhetoric—will be treated with utmost seriousness and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Cole’s arrest is being cited as a warning that law enforcement will act decisively to protect the safety and rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities .

The outcome of the case is likely to be closely watched by LGBTQ+ advocates, event organizers, and legal experts alike, as it raises important questions about the line between protected speech and criminal threats, especially in the context of mounting polarization and violence targeting marginalized groups .

In the wake of the arrest, local and national LGBTQ+ leaders are doubling down on calls for solidarity and mutual support. Pride events, they say, are more than celebrations—they are acts of courage and affirmation in the face of persistent adversity. As preparations for the Abilene parade continue, organizers stress that safety measures have been enhanced and that all are welcome to join in a peaceful, inclusive celebration of diversity and love .

For more information on how to support local Pride events and LGBTQ+ safety initiatives, visit the Abilene Pride Committee’s official website or follow updates from national advocacy organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign and GLAAD.