A Phoenix man was arrested Wednesday after police say he threatened to attack a nearby LGBTQ+ bar, citing Charlie Kirk’s assassination and internet comments accusing transgender individuals of political violence. He was charged with threatening terrorism.
According to an arrest affidavit, Treven Gokey, 49, called a crisis line on September 17 and claimed he was “triggered by political events.” He attributed his inspiration to Kirk’s murder and asserted, without providing any evidence, that transgender individuals were responsible for the last five school shootings. According to investigators, Gokey became radicalized after reading online remarks that promoted the false idea that transgender individuals are to blame for violent crimes.
In the 14-minute chat, Gokey threatened to “shoot up” Cruisin 7th, a prominent LGBTQ+ bar close to his residence. When authorities arrived for a welfare check, he confirmed the threat and stated, “Radical left violence breeds a far-right response.” He also stated that, while he does not possess a rifle, “guns are accessible because it is America.”
According to the affidavit, Gokey lauded Kirk as a “martyr,” reiterated extremist talking points, and stated that he intended to “harm others to send a message.”
Cruisin 7th, a drag show and LGBTQ+ community event venue, was intentionally targeted.
According to police, this was not Gokey’s first troubling encounter with authorities. Earlier this month, he allegedly threatened to shoot bystanders to get a faster response to a request. He was sent to a crisis facility after threatening suicide a few days prior.
Phoenix’s Bias Crimes Unit and Violent Crimes Bureau apprehended Gokey without incident. He was arrested on several felony offenses.
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