After officials were alerted of a new bomb threat targeting the TransLatin@ Coalition, a Los Angeles nonprofit offering services to trans Latinx individuals, officials on Monday, April 15, condemned the growing animosity against LGBTQ+ groups.
The TransLatin@ Coalition, one of the nation’s largest trans-led organizations, joined L.A. officials at a joint press conference on Monday, April 15, where provincial and police officers spoke out.
Authorities stated that a 60-year-old man was being held on Monday for allegedly threatening to bomb or set fire to the TransLatin@ Coalition’s office at 3055 Wilshire Blvd. in Koreatown.
- A press event condemning a new bomb threat to the TransLatin@ Coalition was addressed by the Executive Director of the L.A. County Commission on Human Relations on Monday, April 15, 2024. (Photo courtesy of The TransLatin@ Coalition/Paolo Riveros)
- Representatives from The TransLatin@ Coalition, L.A. County Commission on Human Relations/LA vs. Hate, law enforcement, and other partner agencies gathered on Monday, April 15, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the TransLatin@ Coalition/Paolo Riveros)
- Bamby Salcedo, President/CEO of the TransLatin@ Coalition, spoke at a press event condemning a subsequent bomb threat to her organization, alongside the L.A. County Commission on Human Relations and other partners on Monday, April 15, 2024. (Photo courtesy of The TransLatin@ Coalition/Paolo Riveros)
- LAPD Assistant Chief Blake Chow addressed a press conference regarding the new bomb threat to the TransLatin@ Coalition, alongside the L.A. County Commission on Human Relations and other partners on Monday, April 15, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the TransLatin@ Coalition/Paolo Riveros)
- LAPD Assistant Chief Blake Chow addressed a press conference regarding the new bomb threat to the TransLatin@ Coalition, alongside the L.A. County Commission on Human Relations and other partners on Monday, April 15, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the TransLatin@ Coalition/Paolo Riveros)
- LAPD Assistant Chief Blake Chow addressed a press conference regarding the new bomb threat to the TransLatin@ Coalition, alongside the L.A. County Commission on Human Relations and other partners on Monday, April 15, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the TransLatin@ Coalition/Paolo Riveros)
- Capri Maddox of the LA City Civil Rights Department condemned the new bomb threat to the TransLatin@ Coalition at a press conference, alongside the L.A. County Commission on Human Relations and other partners on Monday, April 15, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the TransLatin@ Coalition/Paolo Riveros)
- A press event condemning a new bomb threat to the TransLatin@ Coalition was addressed by the Executive Director of the L.A. County Commission on Human Relations on Monday, April 15, 2024. (Photo courtesy of The TransLatin@ Coalition/Paolo Riveros)
- Bamby Salcedo, President/CEO of the TransLatin@ Coalition, spoke at a press event condemning a subsequent bomb threat to her organization, alongside the L.A. County Commission on Human Relations and other partners on Monday, April 15, 2024. (Photo courtesy of The TransLatin@ Coalition/Paolo Riveros)
At Monday’s news conference, officials identified the suspect as Henry Nolkemper, who they said was arrested on April 11 in connection with the alleged threats and is being held on a $1 million bail.
Police stated that the suspect, who identified himself as “Henry,” called the National Suicide Hotline on March 28 around 9:25 p.m. and “made several statements regarding the bombing of the TransLatin@ Coalition business on Juneteenth,” said LAPD Assistant Chief Blake Chow.
Nolkemper apparently mentioned setting their home on fire with an accelerant. Additionally, he briefly mentioned attacking the L.A. Pride Parade in June,” Chow said. He was acting alone, according to the authorities.
Chow claimed that the phone bomb threat was recorded and reported to police that night, who identified the suspect as Nolkemper and made an unsuccessful search for him. His Los Angeles home was immediately monitored by LAPD officers. Nolkemper later made a phone call to the police, according to officials.
Nolkemper was detained at his house on April 11 without incident. According to the police, he was arrested on suspicion of making threats involving fake explosives. He had a criminal record and “issues with emotional well-being,” Chow said.
According to Chow, Nolkemper was on parole when he allegedly made the threats and was arrested.
He was charged by the L.A. District Attorney’s Office on Monday with making unlawful threats, along with a hate crime enhancement.
Bamby Salcedo, the President/CEO of the TransLatin@ Coalition, stated on Monday that it was “not the first time our organization has received these kinds of threats.” Staff have received hateful emails and calls, Salcedo said. It is not known whether there is a connection between the bomb threat and the hate messages or calls.
“One of our friends once said that if a transgender woman leaves their home every day, it would be a revolutionary act. We need to do better at integrating trans people into our society and ensuring there are resources to support them,” Salcedo said.
“We must fully accept that transgender individuals are real and have been around for a long time. Our community is still the target of our enemies, and we need to take action to stop it.”
The TransLatin@ Coalition recently opened its newest business in El Monte, serving Latinx and transgender refugees. According to Chow, officers were made aware of any potential threats related to this.
Robin Toma, Executive Director of L.A. County’s Commission on Human Relations, stated that the incident occurred at a time when hate crimes are becoming more common across the state and nation.
“We know that the transgender community is experiencing the highest rate of hate crimes against transgender individuals, with 9 out of 10 reported offenses against trans people being much more severe than those against other groups,” Toma said on Monday.
Toma cited his commission’s latest hate crime report, which documents 44 anti-transgender incidents — the highest number ever recorded by the state. He noted that Latinx individuals are often targeted, and that the perpetrators are “overwhelmingly adult.”
“This tells us that we’re in a time where our transgender brothers and sisters are incredibly resilient,” Toma said. “The transgender community is one of the least understood, least accepted in our society.”
Toma emphasized the importance of reporting hate incidents and crimes using the county’s resources, from the confidential 211 line and website, to LA vs. Hate’s ongoing anti-hate efforts.
Chief Chow also noted the increase in LGBTQ+ hate crimes and attacks, stating that hateful individuals feel “emboldened” to act out in a tense political climate, or through social media.
“We do not tolerate hate — if you see something, say something, so we can take action,” Chow said. Hate incidents can escalate into hate crimes.”
Capri Maddox, Executive Director of the L.A. City Civil Rights Department, stated that hate crimes “do increase” during election years.
“And we are in an election season… unfortunately, and we are on track to surpass last year’s numbers,” Maddox said on Monday. “We are
very concerned about the (political) climate escalating.”
Mariana Marroquín, associate director of the Trans Wellness Center, urged Los Angeles to stand up.
“Hate is real. We’ve seen it, we feel it. But love is real too. Transgender identity is never a bad thing. We should learn about each other, about humanity,” Marroquín said. “We go out every day, and we show the world who we are. We’re not going to hide. Because being yourself in LA is possible.”
This document was contributed to by City News Service.
