National Butterfly Center in Texas closes indefinitely over conspiracy-theory threats about human trafficking
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
A bizarre conspiracy theory stemming from a lawsuit against former President Donald Trump and ensuing threats has caused the closure of the National Butterfly Center.
The Mission, Texas, sanctuary announced Wednesday that it will be shutting down indefinitely to protect staff against “false and defamatory attacks” about human trafficking and illegal immigration.
“The safety of our staff and visitors is our primary concern,” Dr. Jeffrey Glassberg, president and founder of the North American Butterfly Association, said in a statement. “We look forward to reopening, soon, when the authorities and professionals who are helping us navigate this situation give us the green light.”
The attacks ramped up in late January after Kimberly Lowe, a right-wing congressional candidate from Virginia, posted a video from the center, claiming employees were “OK with children being trafficked and raped.” During her visit, Lowe allegedly tried to run over the son of executive director Marianna Trevino-Wright with her car, according to the center.
But the issues date back to 2017, when the center sued the Trump administration to stop the construction of the border wall on its property, citing the disruption to the butterflies and trees. The center also sued We Build the Wall, the nonprofit led by former White House strategist Steve Bannon, that raised more than $25 million for construction, and its founder, Brian Kolfage, for defamation and opening the facility and Trevino-Wright up to “targeted harassment.”
The National Butterfly Center shut down for three days over the weekend due to “credible threats” in relation to We Stand America, a right-wing rally happening at the same time in McAllen, Tex., hosted by former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn.
“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this may cause to members and visitors, many of whom plan trips months in advance, to experience this truly exceptional place,” Trevino-Wright said in a statement Wednesday.
The National Butterfly Center, housed along the Rio Grande River, welcomes more than 35,000 visitors each year and hosts the annual Texas Butterfly Festival.
