A 35-year-old man from Marion County, Florida, has been arrested following allegations that he threatened to attack a local Pride festival. Michael Wilcox was taken into custody after reportedly posting a violent message online, suggesting plans to disrupt the Pride event held at the Central Florida Fairgrounds on June 14.
Wilcox’s alleged post appeared on Facebook and Instagram in response to an event advertisement from Goblin Market, a local restaurant and lounge. It included a photo of bullets being loaded into a revolver with the caption: “Can’t expect God to do all the work.”
This post, interpreted by several commenters as a credible threat, prompted one user to urge increased security. Concerned citizens reported the post to the FBI’s National Threat Operations Centre, which led the Tampa Division’s Orlando team to collaborate with local police. Wilcox, who has a documented history of mental health issues, was arrested and booked on June 13.
The timing of the incident was especially troubling, as the festival occurred during the anniversary weekend of the 2016 Pulse nightclub massacre, where 49 people were killed and 53 wounded.
A day after Wilcox’s arrest, another man, Michael Monheit, 31, was apprehended at a Pride event in Wilton Manors, about 250 kilometres south. Monheit allegedly tried to enter the Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival with a concealed Glock 43 handgun and two loaded magazines, ignoring metal detector warnings and law enforcement orders before being detained.
These incidents follow increasing concern from federal agencies. Last year, both the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) warned of potential terrorist threats targeting Pride events during June. GLAAD’s 2024 report highlighted a 112% rise in attacks on LGBTQ+ people, with nearly half linked to extremist groups such as the Proud Boys and Patriot Front.
“In recent years, extremist groups have attempted to intimidate and incite violence at Pride celebrations across the country,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD. “It is vital to ensure the safety of all attendees and to keep standing up for equality and inclusion year-round.”
