CPAC Faces Calls for Concerning Action from Former President of Anime-Focused Katsucon as Conventions Collide

February 17, 2025  ·
  Marvin Montanaro
Trump CPAC

President Donald Trump speaks at CPAC in 2017 - YouTube, The New York Times

Grig Larson, former president of Katsucon and supposed sci-fi “author” made a post in an adults only anime group that appears to call on followers to take some form of action against the conservative convention CPAC.

New York Times bestselling journalist and senior editor of The Post Millennial Andrew Ngo recently highlighted comments made by Larson, the former president of the popular anime convention Katsucon, regarding the upcoming Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the Gaylord National Resort in Maryland.

 

In his post, Ngo quoted Larson, who posted in a group called “Katsucon 21+,” stating:

“I’m gonna risk it and remind you all that CPAC is coming to the Gaylord right after us Wed-Sat. If you know who they are, I don’t need to remind you that for some, this might present an opportunity. Please act responsibly towards your friends and your country. I’m proud of you.”

-Grig Larson

Ngo’s response raised concerns, suggesting that Larson appeared to be encouraging his followers to target conservative speakers and politicians at CPAC in some way.

“Grig Larson, the former president of the anime convention Katsucon, appears to urge his comrades to target the conservative speakers and politicians at CPAC this week since both Katsucon and CPAC are being held at the Gaylord National,” Ngo wrote.

Grig Larson CPAC

Former Katsucon president Grig Larson issues statement to followers regarding CPAC – Facebook, Katsucon 21+

The statement by Larson, while open to interpretation, has generated widespread debate on social media. For many, the phrase “for some, this might present an opportunity” is troubling due to its ambiguity. If Larson intended to encourage peaceful protest, a right protected under the First Amendment, many argue that he could have made his intentions clear. Instead, the vague wording has led some to fear that it could be perceived as a call to more extreme actions up to an including political violence, particularly by those who might be prone to such behavior.

Katsucon

A crowd of cosplayers at Katsucon 2024 – YouTube, Patrick Goelz

Social media users have reacted strongly, with some expressing alarm over the potential implications of Larson’s post, believing that the lack of clarity in his message poses a risk, especially in today’s politically charged environment.

Grig Larson is a self-described science fiction “author” with four books listed on Amazon. However, his works have received little attention, with each book garnering between 0-15 reviews. This might suggest that his writing has not found a broad audience. Beyond his writing, Larson is known for his previous leadership role with Katsucon, an annual three-day fan convention in the D.C. metro area. The event, organized by Katsucon Entertainment Inc., aims to educate and promote Japanese animation, society, and culture to enthusiasts.

Megyn Kelly

Megyn Kelly on YouTube – YouTube, Megyn Kelly

CPAC’s list of speakers for 2025 include notable figures such as:

  • Senator Ted Cruz
  • Megyn Kelly
  • Ben Shapiro
  • Senator Rick Scott
  • Steve Bannon
  • Trump Administration Border Czar Tom Homan
  • White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt
  • Mayor of Knox County Tennessee Glenn Jacobs, AKA former WWE Champion Kane
  • And many more

Though not announced yet for this year’s convention, President Donald Trump has also appeared at CPAC in the past. 

Trump

Donald Trump speaks at a rally the night before being inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States of America – YouTube, Washington Post

The timing and location of both events have only intensified the discussion. With CPAC drawing high-profile conservative figures, the potential for protests—peaceful or otherwise—has become a focal point. As debates continue online, the importance of clear and responsible communication remains evident, especially when addressing politically sensitive gatherings. As always, this website advocates for peaceful displays of disagreement rather than physical altercations.

What’s your take on Grig Larson and his comments? Sound off in the comments below and let us know!

Author: Marvin Montanaro
Marvin Montanaro is the Editor-in-Chief of That Park Place and a seasoned entertainment journalist with nearly two decades of experience across multiple digital media outlets and print publications. He joined That Park Place in 2024, bringing with him a passion for theme parks, pop culture, and film commentary. Based in Orlando, Florida, Marvin regularly visits Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, offering firsthand reporting and analysis from the parks. He’s also the creative force behind The M4 Empire YouTube channel, bringing a critical eye toward the world of pop culture. Montanaro’s insights are rooted in years of real-world reporting and editorial leadership. He can be reached via email at mmontanaro@thatparkplace.com SOCIAL MEDIA: X: http://x.com/marvinmontanaro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marvinmontanaro Facebook: https://facebook.com/marvinmontanaro YouTube: http://YouTube.com/TheM4Empire Email: mmontanaro@thatparkplace.com