Springfield Missouri Queer Community on Edge After Death Threats Etched on Bullet Casings Left Outside GLO Center

The GLO Center in Springfield, Missouri—a vital resource and gathering place for the region’s LGBTQ+ population—was closed abruptly this week after staff discovered two bullets left outside its entrance, each etched with violent and homophobic messages. The incident, now under active investigation by the Springfield Police Department, has prompted the cancellation of support groups and community events, with leaders prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of local LGBTQ+ residents in the wake of a clear and targeted threat .

Aaron Schekorra, executive director of the GLO Center, recounted finding the bullets as he opened the center on Monday morning. “I noticed something gold on the ground,” Schekorra stated, describing how a closer look revealed the objects were bullets, each scratched with a word—one reading “DIE” and the other bearing a homophobic slur. “We realized that these were left intentionally in front of our building using language that’s meant to attack our community,” Schekorra told local media .

Upon the discovery, Schekorra immediately notified the Springfield Police Department. Officials responded quickly, assigning a detective to the case and launching an active investigation. SPD spokesperson Cris Swaters confirmed Monday afternoon that the threat is being treated with the utmost seriousness, though no suspects or motives have been publicly identified as of publication .

The incident prompted the GLO Center to close for the day, canceling a scheduled peer support group as well as all youth meetings for the week. The annual meeting planned for Monday night was also called off. Schekorra noted the possibility of virtual support meetings, stating, “So the kids can connect if they go to different schools” .

The board is also reviewing safety protocols and evaluating whether to proceed with the upcoming “Pride on C-Street” event, scheduled for the weekend. “We want to go into a large event with confidence in our safety,” Schekorra emphasized, highlighting the tension between the desire to maintain community visibility and the need to ensure participants’ security .

This incident comes amid heightened national tensions following the recent assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Investigators in that case found bullet casings with various messages, some referencing political and cultural themes, and others containing anti-fascist or homophobic language . While there is no official confirmation that the Springfield threat is directly connected to the events in Utah, authorities are examining all leads.

GLO Center staff and community members have expressed both fear and determination. “When a threat is made against the GLO Center, it is also kind of a threat against our community and our identities,” Schekorra said, stressing the responsibility to inform people so they can make informed decisions about their safety .

Local advocacy groups are coordinating with law enforcement and offering support to affected individuals. National organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign, have issued statements condemning the act and reaffirming solidarity with the Springfield LGBTQ+ community .

Community leaders are balancing the need for caution with the importance of visibility and mutual support. “We never want to be in a position where we’re making decisions out of fear, but we have to protect the people we serve,” Schekorra explained. Virtual and alternative forms of outreach are being considered to continue providing resources during the closure .

Incidents of targeted threats and violence against LGBTQ+ organizations have been on the rise in the United States in recent years, with many centers reporting increased harassment, vandalism, and, in some cases, physical attacks . The GLO Center incident underscores the vulnerability many community spaces face and the urgent need for enhanced protections, public awareness, and ongoing support from allies.

Experts note that the intersection of national political discourse and local acts of intimidation can have far-reaching effects on marginalized communities. “Acts like these don’t just threaten individuals—they seek to silence entire communities and push them back into the shadows,” said a spokesperson for the National LGBTQ Task Force .

As the investigation continues, the GLO Center’s leadership, staff, and supporters are working to ensure that the organization can reopen safely. Community members are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities.

In the meantime, Springfield’s LGBTQ+ community is rallying together, reaffirming their commitment to visibility, mutual care, and resilience. The future of upcoming events, including “Pride on C-Street,” will be determined based on ongoing safety assessments and guidance from law enforcement.

For now, the GLO Center’s closure serves as both a call to action and a stark reminder of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities across the nation. The center’s staff urges anyone in need of support to reach out through virtual channels and assures the community that every step is being taken to ensure the safety and continuity of their vital work .