Phoenix LGBTQ+ community remains fearful threats made toward local gay bar

Suspect claimed anti-transgender views in police reports

PHOENIX — Word spread fast of a shooting threat made toward Cruisin’ 7th, a gay bar just outside the Melrose District — an area with a high concentration of LGBTQ+ businesses.

Mia Inez Adams, 66, was one of the first to receive the news the afternoon of Sept. 17 after a friend shared a statement from Phoenix Police. Without hesitation, the long-time performer and resident of Phoenix leaped into action to inform her community.

The suspect, Treven Michael Gokey, 49, was upset by political events and wanted to “send a message to the far left,” police said.

“Radical left violence breeds a far-right response,” Gokey told police, specifically citing incidents such as Charlie Kirk’s assassination and a recent shooting at Annunciati