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State Department warns of ‘increased potential’ for terrorism targeting LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month
https://nypost.com/2024/05/17/us-ne...d-threat-of-violence-against-lgbtq-community/
{Victor Nava | 17 May 2024}
The State Department warned Friday of an increased potential for terrorist attacks targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and events.
“Due to the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises US citizens overseas to exercise increased caution,” read the department’s “worldwide caution” alert.
“The Department of State is aware of the increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against LGBTQI+ persons and events and advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution,” it continued.
The alert comes two weeks before the start of Pride Month in June, a period marked by parades and events dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ+ communities.
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security issued a similar public service announcement [see below - OB] earlier this month, warning that foreign terrorist organizations “may seek to exploit increased gatherings” linked to Pride Month celebrations.
The State Department urged US citizens traveling overseas to “stay alert” in tourist areas, particularly if attending “Pride celebrations and venues frequented by LGBTQI+ persons.”
The alert was issued the same day Secretary of State Antony Blinken commemorated International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia.
“On this day, we reflect upon the violence and discrimination lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) persons worldwide suffer and re-commit ourselves to opposing these acts,” Blinken said in a statement. “This year, like every year, we state unequivocally: LGBTQI+ persons deserve recognition of their universal human rights and human dignity.”
“On this day and every day, the United States stands with LGBTQI+ persons around the world,” he added. “We will continue to advocate for the rights of LGBTQI+ persons not just because we have a moral imperative to do so, but because it helps to strengthen democracy, bolster national security, and promote global health and economic development.”
Alert Number: I-051024-PSA
https://www.ic3.gov/Media/Y2024/PSA240510
{Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) | 10 May 2024}
Foreign Terrorist Organizations and their Supporters Likely Heighten Threat Environment during 2024 Pride Month
Summary
The FBI and DHS are issuing this Public Service Announcement to provide awareness to the public of foreign terrorist organizations (FTOS) or their supporters potential targeting of LGBTQIA+-related events and venues. Foreign terrorist organizations or supporters may seek to exploit increased gatherings associated with the upcoming June 2024 Pride Month.
Threat
FTO efforts to commit or inspire violence against holiday celebrations, including Pride celebrations or LGBTQIA+-related venues, are compounded by the current heightened threat environment in the United States and other western countries. FTOs and their supporters have previously promoted anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric and targeted LGBTQIA+ related events or venues for attacks.
- In February 2023, English language ISIS messaging featured an article focused on anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric and rallied against the growth and promotion of the LGBTQIA+ community. The same issue called for followers to conduct attacks on unidentified soft targets, although the attacks and targets were not specific to LGBTQIA+ venues.
- 12 June 2024 marks the eighth anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub Orlando shooting, during which the attacker killed 49 and wounded 53 people. After the Pulse shooting, pro-ISIS messaging praised this attack as one of the high-profile attacks in Western countries, and FTO supporters celebrated it.
- In June 2023, three alleged ISIS sympathizers were arrested for attempting to attack a Pride parade in Vienna, Austria, using knives and a vehicle as part of the attack, per open-source reporting.
- Violent threats made online, in person, or via mail.
- Unusual or prolonged testing or probing of security measures at events or venues.
- Photography of security related equipment, personnel, or access points consistent with pre-operational surveillance without a reasonable alternative explanation.
- Unusual surveillance or interest in buildings, gatherings, or events.
- Attempts to gain access to restricted areas, bypass security, or impersonate law enforcement officials.
- Observation of or questions about facility security measures, including barriers, restricted areas, cameras, and intrusion detection systems without a reasonable alternative explanation.
- Eliciting information from facility personnel regarding the nature of upcoming events, crowd sizes, busiest times of day, etc. without a reasonable alternative explanation.
- Attempts to enter a restricted area, bypass security, or impersonate law enforcement officials.
Recommendations
- If there is an emergency, contact local law enforcement or 911 immediately.
- To report a threat, contact your local FBI field office (https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices) or closest international office (https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/international-offices) or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324)
- Or report suspicious activity to: How to Report Suspicious Activity | Homeland Security (dhs.gov)
- Be aware of your surrounding at all times and report suspicious activities to the authorities.
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