Hate-Fueled Threats: NYC Woman Targets Denver LGBTQ Spots

DENVER – Sharon Robinson, 40, of New York, is facing federal charges for allegedly unleashing a string of venomous, threatening phone calls against LGBTQ businesses in Denver and Glendale. The calls, laced with anti-LGBTQ slurs and explicit threats of violence, came just weeks after the horrific shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs, ratcheting up fear and trauma within a community already reeling.

According to federal prosecutors, Robinson didn’t just threaten property – she explicitly vowed to inflict the same kind of carnage seen at Club Q. Sources say she repeatedly stated intentions to “shoot your bar up,” directly referencing the Colorado Springs tragedy. The indictment alleges Robinson specifically targeted these businesses because of their connection to the LGBTQ community, a fact determined by the Grand Jury and significantly escalating the severity of the charges.

The calls weren’t isolated incidents. Robinson allegedly bombarded at least four establishments with these hateful messages, creating a climate of terror for owners, employees, and patrons. The timing, so soon after the Club Q shooting, isn’t lost on investigators. It paints a picture of deliberate intimidation designed to prey on existing anxieties and vulnerabilities.

Federal prosecutors are leaning heavily on hate crime enhancements, citing the intentional targeting of victims based on sexual orientation. U.S. Sentencing Guidelines recognize the unique harm caused by these types of offenses and prescribe harsher penalties. If convicted, Robinson could face a significant prison sentence.

Robinson made her initial appearance in federal court in Brooklyn on May 24, 2023. She was informed of the charges and her rights. The case is now moving forward, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Fields leading the prosecution. The feds are building a case based on phone records and witness testimony.

The investigation is a joint effort between the FBI, the Denver Police Department, and the Glendale Police Department. While authorities haven’t released details about the content of all the calls, they’ve confirmed the pattern of threats and the clear anti-LGBTQ bias. As always, Robinson is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Case number is currently unreleased.