Suspicious packages sent to three members of a group which plans to hold a “Straight Pride" parade in Boston next month reportedly turned out to contain glitter.
The FBI and police in Massachusetts launched an investigation on Monday after three parade organisers from the group Super Happy Fun America were sent envelopes with no return address.
Members from the group, which is set to host a Straight Pride Parade in Boston next month, called the police because of the packages’ strange appearance and said they contained a sand-like substance.
Mark Sahady, vice president of Super Happy Fun America, later told CNN that the packages were found to contain glitter and a handwritten letter.
Mr Sahady, who is known as the leader of the Boston chapter of a group called Resist Marxism, was among the three members of the group to be sent a parcel on Monday.
The FBI does not believe the packages pose a threat to public safety and is still investigating.
Parade organiser Samson Racioppi told CNN that a hazmat team shut down his street, adding: “I went out to my mailbox and there was an envelope in there with my name and address.
“The back was very heavily taped up and when I shook it I heard stuff shaking around inside.”
According to Talking Points Memo, Super Happy Fun America members have insisted that they are expressing their belief that straight people in the US are an “oppressed majority”.
In a statement reported by CBS last month, the group’s president John Hugo said: “We want people to be aware that there is not only one side of things.
"There’s a lot of people that are uncomfortable with a lot of things that are going on in our country and they’re afraid to speak up.
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“We don’t hate anyone; we just want to have our own celebration just like everybody else has a right to. All people from all communities are welcome as long as they show mutual respect.”
After facing criticism for granting a parade permit for August 31, Boston’s Mayor Marty Walsh said: “Permits to host a public event are granted based on operational feasibility, not based on values or endorsements of beliefs. The City of Boston cannot deny a permit based on an organisation’s values.”
However, the group has reportedly had its request to fly a “Straight Pride” flag outside City Hall rejected, with City Hall claiming it has sole discretion over what can be flown outside the building.
