A 25-year-old Kansas resident is facing federal charges for allegedly making online threats to bomb and orchestrate a mass shooting at the upcoming Nashville Pride Festival. The indictment, revealed on Tuesday by U.S. Attorney Henry C. Leventis, accuses the Hoisington man of two counts of transmitting interstate threats related to the festival scheduled for June 24-25.

According to the indictment, the man posted a comment on a sponsored Nashville Pride Facebook post on April 26, threatening to construct "shrapnel pressure cooker bombs" for the event. He also allegedly posted another comment the same day threatening a mass shooting, using a homophobic slur.

FBI agents apprehended the suspect at his Kansas residence on Thursday, and he subsequently appeared before a U.S. magistrate judge. A detention hearing is set for Friday in Kansas. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count.

U.S. Attorney Leventis emphasized the commitment to protecting Tennesseans from hate-based threats and violence, highlighting the ongoing collaboration with the FBI to safeguard civil rights. Despite the threats, Nashville Pride’s media coordinator, Brady Ruffin, confirmed the festival will proceed as planned.

Ruffin assured the public that no credible threat currently exists against the event. He outlined enhanced security measures, including fencing, controlled access points, bag checks, and increased security personnel throughout the festival grounds. Organizers are collaborating with city, state, and federal agencies to ensure safety. Ruffin expressed anticipation for creating a secure environment for the LGBTQ+ community to express themselves openly and authentically at the festival.