Lansing residents and council members demanded an urgent response to a string of threats and harassment aimed at queer and transgender people, telling the Lansing City Council on Sept. 29 that recent incidents have left parts of the community afraid to gather in public.

Public commenters recounted a confrontation at a downtown bar last week in which, they said, a man who “claimed to be a fascist” threatened to return armed and to harm trans patrons. “Trans people are under attack in America right now,” said Erin Riley, a community member, during public comment, adding that threats and vandalism have followed other incidents in Old Town and against local queer businesses.

Speakers described a pattern of intimidation and harassment that they said included homophobic graffiti and open‑carrying visitors who filmed customers. “We know this wasn't a random act of violence because it featured homophobic slurs and Nazi symbols,” Erin Riley said of recent vandalism and harassment directed at queer community hubs.

Speakers including Jasper Baldwin, Maya Gosin and Libby Quates described the Avenue bar incident and other episodes they linked to wider organizing on extremist message boards. “He spoke about being connected to the communication channels for Nick Fuentes, a far right, spokesperson,” Jasper Baldwin said of the person who made threats at the bar. Commenters said the man repeatedly told them he was armed and that he planned further action.

Multiple speakers asked the council to issue a public condemnation, pursue investigations of white‑supremacist and militia activity, and increase protection for small queer‑serving businesses. “Will you stand as a loud alternate perspective? And not only that, but will you put actions behind your words to partner with local queer business and community hubs to keep them safe for everyone?” Erin Riley asked.

City officials had not issued a public statement on council floor before the public‑comment period; several speakers noted that the Avenue posted a statement before the council did. In response to repeated public calls for action, Council Member Jackson said the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 4:30 p.m. in council chambers and that “the police have been invited. We'll invite the administration and we'll at least have a discussion first to hear and talk about solutions.” That committee meeting was presented on the record as a forum for hearing concerns and discussing next steps, but it was not a formal vote or ordinance.

Speakers urged specific steps including: issuing public condemnation, coordinating with state and federal law enforcement to investigate organized extremist threats, supporting targeted security assistance for small businesses, strengthening hate‑crime data collection, and convening community listening sessions. Several commenters warned that more visible and immediate actions were necessary to prevent violent escalation.

Council members and staff acknowledged the complaints and the need to discuss possible responses at the committee meeting; no formal council policy or ordinance was adopted at the Sept. 29 meeting. Council commentary on the floor limited itself to scheduling the Oct. 8 committee discussion and inviting police and administration staff to participate.

The public comments at the Sept. 29 meeting indicate heightened concern among residents and activists about both targeted threats and the perceived pace of city response. The committee meeting on Oct. 8 was scheduled as the first formal city‑led forum to gather community testimony and hear from police and city administrators about possible next steps.