A false bomb threat delayed an LGBTQ+ Pride/Drag Queen Story Hour at Canco Park in Jersey City this morning, with electeds denouncing the tactic.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
The Canco Park Conservancy, who hosted the event at 47 Dey St., posted a video on Instagram around 10:30 a.m. indicating that the park had been evacuated by Jersey City police officers due to a bomb threat, also highlighting protesters who were opposing the event for religious reasons.
Ultimately, the threat was deemed unfounded and the event, which was supposed to start at 10:00 a.m., finally got underway at approximately 11:45 a.m. with Harmonica Sunbeam kicking off a story time and singalong.
“Today’s action at Canco Park showed the wrong way to protest. Calling in a false bomb threat against Drag Queen story hour is a misuse of emergency resources,” tweeted Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2).
“I condemn provoking fear and violence as a means of protest. I’m thankful to the JCPD and emergency personnel for remedying the situation quickly and safely. This will not slow the spirit of @JerseyCityPride”
He was joined by Ward D Councilman Yousef Saleh also said that getting law enforcement involved under false pretenses was unacceptable.
“In light of recent events at Canco Park, it is important to address the bomb threat against Drag Queen story hour. Let me be clear, resorting to violence or threats against those with whom you may disagree is utterly unacceptable,” Saleh wrote on Facebook.
“It’s crucial to embrace the diversity of our community, and while not everyone may share the same sentiments towards Drag Queen story hour, the right approach is to peacefully express your views or choose not to attend. I extend my gratitude to the Jersey City Police Department and the Emergency Services Unit for their swift response, ensuring the safety of everyone in the area.”
Additionally, Ward E Councilman James Solomon posted an Instagram story calling for criminal charges against whoever called in the threat.
“Earlier today, @JerseyCityPride’s Drag Queen Story Hour at Canco Park was protested and shut down by a false bomb threat. Hate has no home in Jersey City,” he wrote.
“And I hope the perpetrators of the false bomb threat – which wasted city resources and frightened young families attending the story hour – are brought to justice swiftly.”
City officials could not be immediately be reached on Saturday for additional details regarding the bomb threat.