Armed Man Arrested at Wilton Manors Pride Parade; Bodycam Footage Released
WILTON MANORS – Newly released police body camera footage reveals the tense moments when officers arrested a man attempting to enter the Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade with a loaded firearm and multiple full magazines. The incident occurred on June 14, during one of South Florida’s most celebrated LGBTQ+ events. Thanks to heightened security measures implemented for the first time this year — including metal detectors at all main entrances — law enforcement was able to intercept the suspect before any violence occurred.
Metal Detector Flags Suspect
According to Wilton Manors Police, 31-year-old Michael Monheit, a resident of Palm Beach County, set off a metal detector as he attempted to enter the parade grounds. Officers immediately gave verbal commands for him to stop, but Monheit reportedly tried to flee the scene. Police quickly caught up with him, and bodycam footage shows Monheit being placed in handcuffs and questioned by officers near the security checkpoint.
Weapon and Ammunition Recovered
Authorities recovered a loaded handgun clipped to Monheit’s waistband and two additional fully loaded magazines in his pockets. He was detained on-site and then transported to a local police station for booking. Despite the severity of the security breach, officials confirmed that Monheit had no prior arrest record in either Miami-Dade or Broward County.
He now faces charges including:
Trespassing
Unlawful Carry of a Concealed Weapon
Community Responds
The Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade is a staple of South Florida’s LGBTQ+ calendar and attracts thousands of attendees annually. This year, organizers implemented new security measures in response to rising concerns about anti-LGBTQ+ violence and political hostility targeting pride events nationwide.
“Safety is our top priority,” a representative from the parade organizing committee said. “Thanks to coordination with local law enforcement and enhanced screening, we were able to avoid what could have been a much more dangerous situation.”
Broader Context
The arrest comes amid increased scrutiny and threats directed at pride events across the United States. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have urged local leaders to boost security measures and resist efforts to politicize or cancel public celebrations. The swift action by Wilton Manors police has been praised by many in the community for preventing what could have been a potential tragedy. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not indicated any broader motive beyond the illegal possession of the weapon. Anyone with additional information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Wilton Manors Police Department or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.
Sources
Local10 WPLG – Body camera footage shows arrest of man who brought loaded gun to Wilton Manors Pride Parade
https://www.local10.com/news/local/2025/07/10/body-camera-footage-shows-arrest-of-man-who-brought-loaded-gun-to-wilton-manors-pride-parade/WSVN 7News – Man arrested with loaded gun at Stonewall Pride Parade in Wilton Manors, police say
https://wsvn.com/news/local/broward/man-arrested-with-loaded-gun-at-stonewall-pride-parade-in-wilton-manors-police-say/CBS12 News – Police: Loxahatchee man with loaded gun tried to enter South Florida Pride festival
https://cbs12.com/news/local/story/man-accused-of-attempting-to-carry-loaded-gun-into-stonewall-pride-parade-and-festival-glock-43-9mm-handgun-florida-june-16-2025Local10 WPLG (June 16) – Man caught bringing gun into Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride festival, cops say
https://www.local10.com/news/local/2025/06/16/man-caught-bringing-gun-into-wilton-manors-stonewall-pride-festival-cops-say/
