US officials have issued a warning that foreign terror organizations may target LGBT events around the world during Pride Month in June. The State Department advised US citizens abroad to “exercise increased caution” and to stay alert in locations frequented by tourists, including Pride celebrations.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a joint statement saying that foreign terrorist organizations or supporters may seek to exploit increased gatherings associated with Pride Month. While no specific gatherings or locations were mentioned in the warnings, the agencies noted that messages from the Islamic State (IS) group distributed in English in February 2023 included rhetoric against LGBTQI+ events and venues.
The advisory comes in the wake of a similar alert issued by US law enforcement agencies a week prior. The FBI and DHS also highlighted past incidents, such as the 2016 shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, where 49 people were killed and 53 others were wounded by a man inspired by IS ideology. Additionally, three IS sympathizers were arrested for attempting to attack a Pride parade in Vienna, Austria in 2023.
The Counter Extremism Project, a New York-based non-profit group, pointed out that anti-LGBTQ ideas have been embraced by both Islamist and far-right extremists. Mark D Wallace, the project’s chief executive, stated, “It is no surprise that neo-Nazis and jihadis often express mutual admiration for their shared anti-gay visions.”
Furthermore, protests and threats against LGBTQ communities by homegrown US groups have been on the rise in recent years, according to experts and research organizations. A report by the Anti-Defamation League and Glaad documented at least 145 incidents of anti-LGBTQ violence, harassment, and vandalism during Pride Month in 2023.
As Pride Month approaches, authorities are urging vigilance and caution to ensure the safety of all individuals participating in events celebrating the LGBTQ community.
