By Wendy Anders

Halloween got a bit ghastlier for the lesbian, gay, and trans community in Costa Rica last week when some members reported receiving threats via WhatsApp of planned attacks on gay bars and clubs.

Thursday high government officials met to discuss the threat, and to plan extra security measures in coordination with bar owners, reported ElMundo.cr, a Costa Rican digital news source.

The Presidency of the Republic, the Ministry of Interior, and police officials summoned owners from over a dozen clubs to discuss options for ensuring a safe and fun Halloween for the country’s homosexual and trans population.

Mariano Figueres, director of the country’s internal intelligence service, said his agency has investigated the threat of repeating an Orlando, Florida-type massacre in Costa Rica that was made against gay clubs in Costa Rica, and said that it should not be taken lightly, given the climate of intimidation against the gay and trans community in Costa Rica.

Meanwhile Deputy Minister of the Interior, Carmen Muñoz Quesada, said, “We would never dismiss a threat of this nature; this meeting seeks closer ties with businessmen and businesswomen in the sector to enhance cooperation,” added Muñoz.

Among the suggested measures, Freddy Guillen from the Security Ministry recommended placing surveillance cameras in strategic locations; preventing the entry of toy guns or similar items; doing thorough bag and body checks at the door; and checking goods entering the establishment as well as near the premises to detect suspicious objects or people.

Police planned to increase vehicle and foot patrols near major gay and trans clubs and bars, reported ElMundo.cr.

Diego Luis Barrantes, Bo Club representative, and José Luis Acuña, from Club 13, said they were happy with the outcome of the meeting.

Let’s hope the threats were just a prank.

Here’s wishing everyone a fun, and safe, Halloween.