(Washington) Foreign terrorist organizations or their supporters could target events and locations related to the LGBTQ+ community as part of Pride Month in June, US federal agencies warn.
The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security issued an advisory on May 10 to raise awareness that “foreign terrorist organizations or their supporters may target events and locations related to the LGBTQ+ community.”
“Foreign terrorist organizations or their supporters may seek to exploit increased gatherings associated with the upcoming Pride Month in June,” these agencies wrote.
The announcement did not specify any locations and did not indicate that the agencies were monitoring specific threats. According to the statement, foreign terrorist groups and their supporters have in the past promoted anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and targeted related events.
June 12 will mark the eighth anniversary of the attack at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. It was the deadliest attack against the LGBTQ+ community in US history, in which 49 people died and 53 were injured. The shooter, Omar Mateen, was killed by members of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team after a three-hour standoff. He had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.
In June 2023, three suspected supporters of the Islamic State group were arrested in Vienna, Austria, for attempting to attack a Pride demonstration.
The release also notes signs to watch for that could indicate a potential problem, such as violent threats made online or in the mail. Potential attackers could also attempt to take photos of security-related equipment or access points at events, attempt to enter restricted areas, or impersonate law enforcement. or chat with staff at various venues to get information such as types of upcoming events and crowd sizes.
Pride Month is a particularly important time in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. The first Pride March was held in New York City on June 28, 1970. Since then, cities and towns across the United States have held marches both to draw attention to specific issues and to celebrate.