Security is top priority after nationwide FBI warning of potential threats

Participants march through the streets of downtown Denver during the Pride parade, Sunday, June 25, 2023. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

DENVER (KDVR) – In light of a nationwide warning issued by the FBI a few weeks ago, the safety of Denver Pride participants this weekend is a top priority for organizers and Denver Police.

The FBI warned in a public service announcement last month that Pride events across the country could be terror targets. Specifically, the FBI urged the public to be wary of foreign terrorist organizations or their supporters who may target LGBTQIA+-related events and venues.

The directive says these groups have a history of spreading homophobic rhetoric. They also point to the anniversary of the shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando this month and the arrest of three suspected IS sympathizers last June who tried to attack a gay pride parade in Vienna as possible motives for the violence.

“There have been some general warnings about security, but in our work with law enforcement to date, we have not received any indication of any credible threats,” said Rex Fuller, CEO of the Center on Colfax, the organizer of Denver Pride.

“You know, the Club Q shooting wasn’t that long ago, so it’s something we’re really watching and taking seriously,” he told FOX31.

Denver Pride organizers did not elaborate on their security plan, but said they have worked closely with Denver police to ensure the safety and enjoyment of tens of thousands of attendees this weekend.

In a statement, a Denver Police spokesperson told FOX31:

“DPD will deploy officers/resources and a plan has been developed to ensure a safe Pride weekend. As with any event, we encourage people to celebrate safely and report any suspicious or illegal activity to police.”

Denver Pride participants picking up T-shirts for the Denver Pride 5K run on Friday told FOX31 they were there for the fun, not the fear.

“Unfortunately there are people out there who want to cause harm and stuff, but it’s such a big event and the police always handle it well,” said Anthony Patterson. “The community has shown that nothing is going to stop us from coming together.”

The FBI office in Denver told FOX31 it had no intelligence on specific threats in Colorado or Wyoming.