In a press conference on Wednesday, Oct. 23, Jeremy M. Helfgot, who spoke on behalf of Phoenix Pride, announced that law enforcement arrested a 17-year-old boy who had planned an attack on the Phoenix Pride Festival.
Helfgot revealed that the individual had been arrested on Friday, Oct.18, just a day before the Pride events were set to begin. The individual had allegedly acquired materials to create a device and was expressing intent to launch an attack on the parade for nearly a year.
“Fortunately, this individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on Friday, and I am here while in a very sober moment to say that happily, the Phoenix Pride festival and parade went on uninhibited, uninterrupted, and as the celebration that they really should be,” Helfgot said.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, the FBI Phoenix division, the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, and local police departments in Glendale and Peoria were all involved in the investigation and arrest. Helfgot expressed gratitude to these law enforcement partners for their vigilance in protecting the LGBTQ+ community.
“It’s okay to acknowledge that this is an emotionally traumatic event, and it’s okay to get the necessary support that you need.” Helfgot said.
Despite the alarming news, Helfgot emphasized the resilience and empowerment of the Phoenix Pride community. He noted the strong show of support from elected officials, including Governor Katie Hobbs, Congressman Ruben Gallego, and Mayor Kate Gallego, who participated in the Pride parade.
The successful Pride events and the thwarting of the planned attack have reinforced the importance of these celebrations as safe spaces for the community to come together and continue the fight for equality and acceptance.
“The LGBTQ+ community of Greater Phoenix is here, is not going anywhere, will not be intimidated, will stand strong and stand unified,” Helfgot declared.
Edited by Shi Bradley
