Federal authorities in Texas have arrested Joshua Cole, 21, on charges of transporting a stolen vehicle across state lines. He was charged with having threatened to shoot people at a Pride parade. Authorities on Tuesday arrested the man in Abilene. The arrest comes after Cole made statements on social media that were directed towards at least one person attending the Abilene Pride parade planned for September 20.
Cole reportedly made the threats following the murder of Charlie Kirk. He mentioned Kirk frequently in his online posts. Using a stolen Facebook account in the name of “Jay Dubya,” Cole allegedly articulated plans to attack participants in the Pride parade violently. One of his comments stated, “Fk their parade, I say we lock and load and pay them back for taking out Charlie Kirk.” Messages like this terrifying one put law enforcement on high alert from the start.
In addition to the threatening remarks about the parade, Cole’s online activity included another concerning comment: “come on bro let’s go hunting fairies.” He further stated, “Theres only like 30 of em we can send a clear message to the rest of them,” demonstrating a concerning intent to harm.
Authorities arrested Cole once he was notified that they wanted to interview him regarding his social media presence. According to The Guardian, Cole’s body language during the questioning gave the impression it was clear to him from the start that this was not a friendly discussion. He reportedly acknowledged that “a reasonable person could interpret his comments as a threat.”
Shortly after being arrested, Cole made a brief initial appearance at his preliminary hearing. A judge simultaneously ordered him to be continued held in custody while the case moved through the legal process. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison.
In their statement, the Abilene Pride Alliance thanked law enforcement for their quick response. They emphasized their commitment to safety, stating, “We want to reassure our community that the safety of everyone at Pride has always been, and will continue to be our top priority.” They further noted, “The swift action and continued diligence of [authorities] reflect their commitment to protecting our city and ensuring that Pride remains a safe, inclusive and celebratory space for all.”
We learned through Cole’s employer that he had just recently resigned from work. In doing so, they continued, he suddenly and angrily left the workplace shortly before his arrest. This background makes the environment even more challenging. We know that, worldwide, government authorities are investigating Cole’s actions and intent as we speak.