ORLANDO, Fla. – Zane Aparicio, also known as Cait Aldebrandt, returned to the Pulse crosswalk in Orlando on Sunday to express solidarity with the LGBTQ community, despite having been assaulted the previous day and receiving threats aimed at protesters.
“We’re in support of the queer community and Latino community here in Orlando. We’re not letting this stand with the crosswalk,” Aparicio said.
Aparicio was recorded on video being struck in the face while attempting to prevent an individual from taking down a trans and rainbow flag from the location on Saturday.
[VIDEO: Orlando police investigating ‘incident’ near Pulse nightclub]
They returned Sunday—even after seeing a Facebook post from a man threatening to shoot protesters.
“Yes, things have escalated beyond reason. Clearly, it’s gone too far. We’ve done nothing to warrant this. We’re simply chalking. We’ve not issued any threats, not even online,” Aparicio mentioned.
The poster claimed he would bring a mop and water to clean the chalk, along with both lethal and non-lethal guns for “self-defense.”
That threat caused local LGBTQ supporters to cancel their rally at the crosswalk on Sunday.
Some still showed up, including Orlando resident Melody Short.
“I fear for my life. I actively fear for my life,” said Short.
[VIDEO: Crosswalk battle continues in Downtown Orlando]
Many participants admitted they weighed their safety before attending on Sunday, yet felt it was important to take the risk in memory of those killed in the Pulse nightclub mass shooting.
Orange County local Courtney Wehrspaun concurred, stating, “You must voice your stand. When you’re in a position where speaking up is necessary, fear of violence—though intimidating—won’t silence me. I’m here to speak, and I’m doing it now.”
News 6 reached out to Orlando police to see if they are investigating the post, but we have not heard back.
Copyright 2025 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.
