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As Halifax Pride kicks off on Thursday, the festival’s organizer says she’s been told by the RCMP that a youth has been arrested for making violent threats in relation to the annual event.
In an interview with Information Morning Nova Scotia on Wednesday, festival executive director Fiona Kerr said Halifax RCMP informed her of the threats on Tuesday.
“It’s obviously very scary and disheartening to see things like that, especially so close to the festival, but I wouldn’t say that we have an increased concern around other threats or things like that,” Kerr said.
In a release Wednesday, Halifax RCMP said the youth, whose name is being withheld because they’re a minor, was arrested on Saturday and faces charges related to hate propaganda and making threats, in relation to a “specific upcoming 2SLGBTQIA+ community event.”
Though Kerr confirmed the event in question was Halifax Pride, the RCMP has not confirmed that detail. They did say, however, that they have shared information with Halifax Regional Police to support safety plans for the unnamed event.
The youth, who appeared in court on Thursday, has been released on conditions.
Halifax Pride began Thursday and will continue until July 26, with more than 100 events planned, including the annual Pride parade on Saturday, several nights of live music, DJs and drag queens at the Garrison Grounds, and a number of community-led events.
Showing up important way to combat hate
According to Kerr, the organization takes security seriously, and monitors social media and escalates serious matters if and when they occur.
“Pride festivals are obviously a specific target for people now with rising hate down in the U.S. and across Canada, as the cost of making our event safe is certainly increasing each year,” she said.
One of the best ways we can combat hate is gathering and being together, because that’s what these people want to stop.– Fiona Kerr, executive director of Halifax Pride
More police and security, however, isn’t always the answer to safety concerns, Kerr said.
“We work alongside all of these agencies to kind of find a middle ground that covers all of our bases, but really keeps it as community oriented as we can be.”
As more people in the 2SLGBTQ+ community face rising hate and bigotry, it’s important to keep showing up, Kerr said.
“I think one of the best ways we can combat hate is gathering and being together, because that’s what these people want to stop. They want to stop us from gathering. They want to stop us from being out in the world and being ourselves,” she said.
“We’ve seen the community and allies show up in big ways before, so I have no doubt that’ll happen this weekend.”
Making sure people feel comfortable and secure this week is the festival’s top priority, she said.
“I hope folks come out and really feel safe and like they can be in community because that’s the most important thing for us.”
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