The National Butterfly Center in Texas, very close to the border with Mexico, announced to close its doors from Thursday for security reasons, saying it was the target of threats from supporters of Donald Trump.
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The private organization based in Mission, on the banks of the Rio Grande which separates the United States from Mexico, had made itself known for its defense of these insects but also for having filed a complaint in order to block the construction of the desired anti-immigration wall. by the former Republican president in the region. The Center has decided to close until further notice because “the safety of our staff and visitors is our primary concern”said in a press release Wednesday Jeffrey Glassberg, president of the North American Butterfly Association which manages the organization.
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The establishment had already closed from January 28 to 30 due to “credible threats” in connection, according to him, with an event organized by supporters of the ex-president in McAllen, very close to there. Photos presented as being of the Center had then circulated, accompanied by messages accusing the organization of helping smugglers to bring illegal migrants to the United States. Several activists posted videos on social media of themselves outside the National Butterfly Center and “we don’t think the threat has passed”Marianna Trevino Wright, its executive director, told AFP on Wednesday, referring to “Provocation” repeated from these people.
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Marianna Trevino Wright said she fears that the spread of accusations against the Center will end up pushing some of these activists to “to act”. “We look forward to reopening, soon, when the authorities and professionals who help us overcome this situation give us the green light”said Jeffrey Glassberg in his press release, specifying that the employees would continue to receive their wages during the closure.
Up to 200 species of butterflies have been recorded in the gardens of the National Butterfly Center, which are also home to bobcats, coyotes, peccaries, armadillos and Texas turtles.
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