Texas man threatens violence at pride event in Abilene

In September 2025, a man from Texas was arrested by the FBI for making violent threats against a gay pride event scheduled to take place in Abilene. Joshua Cole, a resident of Anson, Texas, used a Facebook account under the name Jay Dubya to express his intentions after commenting on a post about the upcoming pride parade. He specifically mentioned a desire to take revenge for the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot in Utah just nine days prior to Cole's threats. The authorities took these threats seriously due to the specificity and directness of his statements, which indicated a clear intent to target participants of the pride event. The investigation into Cole's actions revealed that he had a history of making terroristic threats, having been arrested previously in 2019 on similar charges. His statements on social media included not only threats of violence but also a focus on a specific group of individuals participating in the pride parade. These comments raised alarms and led to swift action from both local law enforcement and federal authorities to ensure the safety of the community. The Abilene Pride Alliance responded publicly, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all attendees at pride events. In the aftermath of this incident, Cole was booked at the Taylor County Jail and appeared to be a significant threat to the public, especially given his perceived mental state as described by former coworkers. His threats were characterized by FBI Special Agent Samuel C. Venuti as not being idle or careless but rather showcasing a serious intention to harm. This case illustrates the ongoing issues surrounding hate crimes and threats against marginalized communities in the United States and highlights law enforcement's role in taking such threats seriously to protect citizens from potential harm. As law enforcement continues to focus on the dangers posed by individuals like Cole, community organizations are working to foster environments free from fear and hostility. Events such as pride festivals are celebrations of diversity and acceptance, yet they have become venues of potential confrontations due to rising tensions among differing social groups. The FBI's intervention in this case demonstrates a commitment to confronting domestic extremism and ensuring public safety in the face of threats against specific communities.