Police investigation into anti-2SLGBTQ+ 'disruption' closed because of lack of information
CBC
Waterloo regional police have released more information about a tip that affected multiple 2SLGBTQ+ events in the community earlier this week.
Threats of violence led organizers of the Beers with Queers event at a local brewery to cancel their plans and the organization Spectrum changed a community gathering to a virtual format on Tuesday.
"To say it's been a wild week, it's an understatement," said Suzie Taka, the executive director of Spectrum, a community space that supports members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
"[The tip] felt very ambiguous, yet also ominous at the same time," Taka said. "Some folks were told to lock the doors and call police immediately ... it was really a lot of unknowns and a lot of genuine fear. "
A spokesperson from the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) told CBC News organizers of three local events were told about the tip, which came in anonymously.
In a statement to media earlier this week, WRPS shared limited details about the threat, calling it a "potential disruption at an unspecified upcoming 2SLGBTQI+ event taking place in Kitchener on October 21, 2025."
In a clarification to CBC News, WRPS now confirms there was specifically a "threat to cause violence."
Police informed the organizers about the threat on Monday.
The police spokesperson says after organizers were informed about the potential threat, investigators took a closer look at the anonymous tip and found that it did not provide enough information. That includes that there were no names of individuals or groups that may be involved. There was also no additional specifics about what kind of disruption was being planned.
That's why the investigation was closed and no charges were laid.
Police are asking anyone who has additional information to come forward so officers could potentially continue with a new investigation.
WRPS says it is aware of the community criticism and "misinformation" being shared on social media about how organizers were informed of the possible threat.
The spokesperson says the police service has been responding to community members who are tagging WRPS on social media. Others are being encouraged to also share their questions or concerns directly with the police service.
Taka says the community's alarm bells went off when police visited some of the organizers in person to share the anonymous tip.
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