by Eric Lendrum
Several threats made against a pro-LGBTQ “pride” event in Montana have since been determined to be hoaxes simply meant to discourage people from attending.
According to ABC News, the Bozeman Police Department (BPD) investigated two threats that “occurred within the city limits of Bozeman” over the weekend, after two other threats had been made on Friday. The threats were eventually determined to have no credibility, and were simply “used to try to dissuade people from participating.”
“As a city, we remain vigilant and take these threats of violence seriously. The businesses and individuals targeted had connections to our upcoming Pride events and tactics like these have frequently been used to try to dissuade people from participating,” said a statement by the BPD. “As Bozeman looks to host Pride Week again this year, we stand committed to protecting our community, especially those of the LGBTQ+ community, so that everyone feels safe to celebrate.”
“Detectives began investigating the leads, ultimately determining that the email originated from an unknown account holder in Nigeria, Africa,” the BPD continued. “Detectives also learned from Federal partners that similar emails had been received by other businesses throughout the nation and were believed to be hoaxes. It appears at this time that these threats were related to planned pride events next month.”
As a result of the initial threats on Friday, several areas of the city were roped off and buildings were evacuated while police inspected the area for potential explosives. The subsequent investigation, carried out by local and federal law enforcement, determined that the threats had no substance, and thus there was less of a reaction to the two threats made on Saturday and Sunday.
“Hate and threats of violence to our residents have no place in Bozeman and are not representative of who we are. As we approach Pride events and beyond, we will ensure that appropriate measures are taken to keep our community safe,” the statement by law enforcement added. “We remain dedicated to being a welcoming community for all, and as always, we urge anyone who witnesses any suspicious activity to immediately report incidents to the police.”
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Eric Lendrum reports for American Greatness.
