New Mexico Man Arrested for Threatening Texas Pride Parade

A man from New Mexico was taken into custody on federal charges for allegedly making online threats about a mass shooting aimed at a Pride parade in Texas, according to the FBI.

Michael Kenneth Thompson, a postal worker from Clovis, New Mexico, was apprehended after authorities received a tip regarding possible mass casualties at Pride Fest in Lubbock, Texas. The FBI traced Facebook posts back to Thompson, leading to his arrest on June 28.

Thompson’s posts reportedly referred to the upcoming Lubbock Pride Fest as “hunting season” and “target practice,” voicing his intent to carry out the attack. His comments included statements like he didn’t need assistance and just required “more ammo!”

FBI Director Kash Patel commended the successful intervention, highlighting that law enforcement acted effectively to prevent a potentially severe situation.

“This weekend’s arrests in Lubbock, Texas were the result of the coordinated efforts of the FBI and our law enforcement partners. Thanks to their excellent execution, we were able to thwart another potentially deadly attack,” Patel noted in a statement.

“Our agents, intelligence team, and local partners acted decisively to stop him before he could act.”

Thompson has reportedly admitted to posting the threats and later deleting them. He also confirmed his employment with the USPS. Authorities found four firearms in his home, which he is prohibited from possessing due to previous domestic violence convictions.

He faces charges for interstate communication containing threats and will remain in custody until a detention hearing on July 1, where he could face up to five years in prison if convicted.

The arrest was announced through a joint effort by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris from the FBI’s Albuquerque office, following an investigation with the Clovis Police Department.