WASHINGTON — Foreign terrorist organizations or their supporters could target LGBTQ-related events and locations as part of June’s Pride Month, federal agencies warned in a recent public announcement.
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security issued the announcement on May 10 to raise awareness of “foreign terrorist organizations (FTOS) or their supporters who may be targeting LGBTQIA+-related events and locations.”
“Foreign terrorist organizations or supporters may attempt to take advantage of increased gatherings associated with the upcoming Pride Month of June 2024,” the agencies wrote.
The announcement did not specify locations or indicate that the agencies were tracking specific threats. According to the publication, foreign terrorist groups and supporters have historically promoted anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and targeted related events.
The release noted that June 12 marks the eighth anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub attack in Orlando, Florida. That was the deadliest attack on the LGBTQ community in U.S. history, killing 49 people and injuring 53 as “Latin Night” was celebrated at the club. Gunman Omar Mateen was killed by SWAT team members after a three-hour standoff. He had pledged allegiance to Islamic State.
In June last year, three alleged sympathizers of the Islamic State group were arrested in Vienna for trying to attack a Pride event there, the release said.
The release also noted possible signs to look out for that could indicate a potential problem, such as violent threats online or by mail. Potential attackers may also attempt to take photos of security-related equipment or access points at events; attempt to enter restricted areas or impersonate law enforcement personnel; or chat with staff at different locations to get information such as what types of events are coming up and what the crowd sizes might be.
Pride Month, held in June, is an especially important time in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. After starting as the first Pride march in New York City on June 28, 1970, it has grown into a nationwide event in which cities and towns across America hold marches to draw attention to and celebrate specific issues such as same-sex marriage .