A bomb threat abruptly halted the Principles First summit in Washington, D.C., creating panic among event attendees according to The New York Post.
This threat overshadowed the event, marketed as the “Anti-Trump CPAC,” which had convened to discuss principles divergent from those of former President Donald Trump.
Organizers, in conjunction with private security, hotel security teams, and the Metropolitan Police Department, made the prudent decision to clear the summit space to ensure everyone's safety. As attendees evacuated, uncertainty permeated the air over the day’s remaining schedule.
Despite the disruptions, the summit's organizers were resolute. They expressed on social media their intentions to continue with the planned agenda, emphasizing their commitment to facilitating a constructive dialogue about the country’s political future.
An online entity operating under the pseudonym "Enrique T" claimed responsibility for the threat. This name bears a resemblance to Enrique Tarrio, the controversial former leader of the Proud Boys, a far-right organization. This alleged endorsement of violence purportedly aimed to honor those jailed for their roles in the January 6 riots—an event that has continued to stir significant national debate.
The threat was specific in its menacing intent, hinting at the construction of four pipe bombs and targeting several high-profile speakers scheduled to address the summit. These details of the threat heightened concerns, leading to a meticulous sweep of the venue by security forces. However, the Metropolitan Police Department later confirmed that the claim appeared to be without substance, noting they found no tangible threats on the premises.
Enrique Tarrio’s connections to the threat became a focal point of discussion. However, his legal representative was quick to disentangle Tarrio from the ongoing situation, stating firmly to the press that he was not involved. This denial came shortly after Tarrio's legal troubles, having been arrested near the Capitol just two days prior.
The Principles First summit has notably positioned itself as a platform for conservative voices that diverge from the MAGA-driven narrative popularized by Trump. Founding the event five years ago, organizers aimed to create a forum for discussing values they felt were foundational but underrepresented in current conservative discourse.
This year's summit saw many notable figures in attendance, including entrepreneur Mark Cuban, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and former national figures like Adam Kinzinger and John Bolton. Their presence highlighted the significance of the event as a gathering for influential thinkers concerned with the direction of conservatism in America.
Concurrently, the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) was taking place nearby, underlining a perceptible division within conservative circles in the United States. The contrast between the CPAC's line-up and the Principles First agenda was stark, with the latter aimed explicitly at fostering discussions around principles over personality.
In the aftermath of the threat, the summit quickly resumed, with heightened security measures in place but undeterred in spirit. The quick response by the event organizers and law enforcement ensured that the summit could continue, demonstrating a commitment to uphold the dialogue essential to democracy.
As the summit progressed, discussions delved deep into issues of policy, governance, and the philosophy of conservatism, reclaiming the narrative from the day's earlier chaos. The event's continuation was a testament to the resilience of its participants and a poignant reminder of the importance of maintaining open political discourse, especially in times of challenge and controversy.
With the shadow of the day’s threat receding, the Principles First summit closed on a note of unity and resolve, setting a precedent for future gatherings in turbulent times. The discourse that unfolded was a vibrant tableau of democracy in action, marked by vigorous debate and profound respect for differing viewpoints.