News Summary
Joshua Wayne Cole from Anson, Texas, is set to plead guilty to threats made against participants of a Pride parade in Abilene. His threats, reportedly stemming from a personal vendetta, have raised serious concerns among the LGBTQ+ community and law enforcement. Scheduled for a court hearing, Cole could face a sentence of up to five years if convicted. In response to the threats, security measures are being heightened for the upcoming parade, with local organizations advocating for the safety of attendees.
Texas Man to Plead Guilty for Threatening Pride Parade Participants
In a startling turn of events, Joshua Wayne Cole from Anson, Texas, is preparing to plead guilty to disturbing threats he made against individuals participating in an LGBTQ+ Pride parade in nearby Abilene. He claims that his threats were motivated by a personal vendetta following the tragic murder of a well-known conservative activist, Charlie Kirk.
Upcoming Court Hearing and Potential Sentencing
Cole’s court filings reveal that he plans to plead guilty to a charge of interstate threatening communications. His court hearing is set for October 16, 2025. If convicted, he could face a sentence of up to five years in prison. However, it’s noteworthy that individuals who plead guilty often receive lighter sentences compared to those who go to trial.
Timeline of Events Leading Up to Arrest
The chain of events began on September 18, 2025, when organizers of the Abilene Pride parade alerted local police about Cole’s threatening posts on Facebook. His comments were alarming and included inflammatory rhetoric suggesting violence against parade attendees. Phrases like “lock and load” and “pay them back for taking out Charlie Kirk” raised serious concerns among both law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community.
Authorities quickly moved to take control of the situation, and it wasn’t long before FBI agents attempted to confront Cole at his workplace. However, they found that he had left in anger. The following day, he was stopped by police, where he not only admitted to making the online threats but also expressed a belief that the Pride event should not be allowed to take place at all.
Specific Threats and Legal Implications
An FBI affidavit highlighted that Cole’s threats were explicit and directed specifically at participants of the Pride parade rather than being vague or conditional. This factor qualifies them as true threats, not merely idle talk. After being arrested on September 19, Cole was initially held without bail due to concerns over public safety and a prior criminal record, which includes a 2019 terroristic threat charge.
Community Response and Security Measures
The Abilene Pride Alliance, rightly alarmed by Cole’s threats, has called for increased security for their upcoming event to ensure the safety of all attendees. Additionally, McMurry University decided to withdraw from its planned participation in the parade as a precautionary measure in light of the threats stemming from Cole’s statements.
Detention and Release Details
After being taken into custody, Cole was booked into the Taylor County Jail on September 19 and was later released on September 24. However, following concerns about his behavior and the nature of his threats, he faced mandatory detention as he awaits trial.
Attorney’s Silence and Future Developments
As events unfold, it’s worth noting that Cole’s attorney has not provided any comments to the media regarding the case. The court proceedings are being closely monitored by local authorities, community members, and LGBTQ+ advocates, all of whom are eager to see how this unsettling incident will resolve.
As we approach the court date set for October 16, many are left wondering what this case will mean for both the individuals involved and the community at large. With heightened sensitivity and awareness surrounding issues of safety, it’s a critical time for dialogue and understanding.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The Guardian: Texas Man Threatens Pride Event
- Wikipedia: LGBT Rights in the United States
- CBS News: Texas Man Arrested for Threats to Pride Event
- Google Search: Texas Pride Parade 2025
- Dallas Voice: Man Arrested for Threatening Pride Parade
- Encyclopedia Britannica: LGBT Pride
- KTXS: Anson Man Arrested for Threatening Pride Parade
- Google News: Texas Man Joshua Wayne Cole
- Big Country Homepage: Man Accused of Threatening Abilene Pride Parade
- Google Scholar: Pride Parades US
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LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
