Major Crimes Division Successfully Nabs Perpetrator After Investigation
The Los Angeles Police Department’s Major Crimes Division has announced the arrest of a suspect linked to a bomb threat and hate crime against the Trans-Latin@ Coalition.
On March 28, 2024, at approximately 9:25 p.m., a male caller identifying himself as “Henry” contacted the National Suicide Hotline and made threats regarding bombing the Trans-Latina Coalition business in Los Angeles on “Juneteenth.” He also mentioned intentions to set the building on fire using gasoline and referenced an attack on the gay pride parade in June.
Following the call, the Major Crimes Division assumed the investigation. Detectives traced the caller’s telephone number to a 60-year-old individual named Henry Nolkemper and obtained a tentative address. Despite several attempts to locate him, they were initially unsuccessful.
On April 11, 2024, LAPD Officers from the Metropolitan Division conducted surveillance at Nolkemper’s last known address in Newton Division. Major Crimes Division detectives then contacted Nolkemper by phone and arranged for his surrender and arrest. He was subsequently booked for a False Bomb Threat and a Probation Hold, with no bail set.
Subsequently, on April 15, 2024, the Major Crimes Division presented the case to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, Hate Crimes Section, for filing consideration. The District Attorney’s Office filed one count of Criminal Threats with a Hate Crime enhancement against Nolkemper.
Bamby Salcedo, President/CEO of The TransLatin@ Coalition, eloquently captured the moment’s urgency, stating, “We need to do better to ensure that trans people are integrated into the tapestry of our society. We need to do better to make sure that there are resources to support the livelihood of our community. We need to do better in accepting the reality that trans people exist.”
Salcedo’s powerful words resonate deeply, reminding us of the profound importance of unity and advocacy in the face of adversity. As she aptly stated, “Every day a trans woman steps out of her home, it is a revolutionary act. We are people who walk with targets on our backs.”
The TransLatin@ Coalition wished to extend their gratitude to the following community leader who attended the press conference and expressed support:
- Robin Toma, L.A. County Commission on Human Relations, Executive Director.
- Jury Candelario, Health and Human Services Director, APAIT.
- Esther Lim, Justice Deputy, Los Angeles County Supervisor, Hilda Solis.
- Blake Chow, LAPD Assistant Chief.
- Ruby Flores, LAPD Deputy Chief.
- Marc Beaart, Director of Fraud & Corruption Prosecutions, L.A. County District Attorney’s Office.
- Marianna Marroquin, The TransWellness Center, Associate Director.
- Capri Maddox, L.A. Civil + Human Rights and Equity Executive Director.
If you or anyone you know has experienced hate or violence, you can report your incident by calling 211 or visiting LAvsHate.org.
