FBI Arrests USPS Employee Over Pride Parade Threats
On Monday, the FBI announced the arrest of a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employee who allegedly threatened a mass shooting at a Pride parade in Lubbock, Texas. The suspect, identified as Michael Thompson from Clovis, New Mexico, was taken into custody after a report was made about his alarming social media threats.
FBI Director Kash Patel praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, stating, “This weekend’s arrests in Lubbock are a result of the FBI and our law enforcement partners working together effectively. We managed to thwart a potentially deadly attack.” Patel emphasized that timely action by the FBI and local law enforcement helped prevent a tragedy.
Authorities revealed that Thompson acknowledged posting and subsequently deleting the threatening messages. He also confirmed his employment with USPS, which prompted inquiries from the postal service.
The investigation unearthed four firearms at Thompson’s home. Notably, he is legally barred from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction related to domestic violence.
Thompson now faces charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for making interstate threats. Patel remarked, “More lives were saved because of good police officers.”
In an unrelated incident, a former police officer from North Carolina was also charged for threatening violence at another festival in New Orleans.
Meanwhile, ongoing interviews with Thompson were taking place as he prepared for his initial court appearance later that day. As for the Lubbock Pride Festival, local reports confirmed that it proceeded smoothly over the weekend. Festival organizers shared their joy on social media, stating, “Yesterday was filled with so much love and community—we couldn’t have asked for a better celebration. Thank you to everyone who made it special!”
In Brunswick, Georgia, a man named Christopher Waller was arrested earlier this month for allegedly attacking attendees at a local LGBTQ+ Pride event, leading to charges of making terrorist threats.
