Series of bomb threats targeting LGBTQ+ Pride events in Montana deemed to be hoaxes

A series of bomb threats targeting annual Pride events in Montana were deemed to be hoaxes “used to try to dissuade people from participating” in the LGBTQ+ celebrations, police say.

Two threats were made on Saturday and Sunday when the Bozeman Police Department investigated two bomb threats that “occurred within the city limits of Bozeman,” according to a statement from the Bozeman Police Department. Two other similar bomb threats were received by authorities on Friday.

After police conducted an investigation into the threats along with federal law enforcement partners, they determined that the threats lacked credibility and that authorities were “doing all we can to identify the source,” police said.

“As a city, we remain vigilant and take these threats of violence seriously. The businesses and individuals targeted had connections to our upcoming Pride events and tactics like these have frequently been used to try to dissuade people from participating,” according to the Bozeman Police Department. “As Bozeman looks to host Pride Week again this year, we stand committed to protecting our community, especially those of the LGBTQ+ community, so that everyone feels safe to celebrate.”

Read more: ABC News