FBI, other officials warn terror groups could target LGBTQ Pride Month events

WASHINGTON – Federal authorities have issued a public service alert warning that foreign terrorist organizations may potentially target LGBTQ “events and venues” during Pride Month in June.

The joint statement by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, dated May 10, does not mention any specific threats or intelligence suggesting that any event, celebration or individual has been targeted.

But officials said efforts by foreign terrorist organizations “to commit or inspire violence” against holiday celebrations, including Pride events or LGBTQ-related venues, are compounded by the current heightened threat environment in the United States and other western countries. It did not specify what has contributed to the increasing threats.

The alert also noted that such foreign groups “and their supporters" previously have promoted anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and targeted LGBTQ-related events or venues for attacks.

“We continue to work with our partners to evaluate the threat environment, provide updates to the American public, and protect our homeland," a DHS official told USA TODAY, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to be quoted by name. "We urge the public to stay vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activity to their local law enforcement.”

In a statement, the FBI said it will continue to closely monitor "potential threats to public safety" and communicate and share information with local, state and federal law enforcement partners.

Washington, D.C. is set next year to hold WorldPride, a massive, international set of Pride events that switches hosts each year.

In the alert, the FBI and DHS said that in February 2023, English language messaging from the terrorist group ISIS, or the Islamic State, featured an article focused on anti-LGBTQ rhetoric “and rallied against the growth and promotion of the LGBTQIA+ community.”

The same ISIS messaging, the alert said, also called for followers to conduct attacks on unidentified “soft targets,” a law enforcement term for nightclubs, restaurants and other mostly unguarded civilian gathering places, “although the attacks and targets were not specific to LGBTQIA+ venues.”

In the alert, authorities also noted that June 12 marks the eighth anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub Orlando shooting, during which an attacker killed 49 people and wounded 53 others. After the Pulse shooting, pro-ISIS messaging praised the attack “as one of the high-profile attacks in Western countries,” and foreign terrorist organization supporters celebrated it, the alert said.

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, the alert said.

Law enforcement officials said this month that Pride event organizers and attendees should watch for violent threats made online, in person or by mail, people taking a lot of photographs or other unusual or prolonged testing or probing of security measures and anyone showing an unusual interest in buildings, gatherings, or events. They may also attempt to bypass security or impersonate law enforcement, the alert said.

Authorities also urged people to visit the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative website for more information, resources and training for community partners on how to identify and respond to threats.

If they do see or hear something that seems like potentially threatening, authorities said, people should report it to their local FBI field office or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), or contact DHS’ How to Report Suspicious Activity office.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pride Month: FBI, DHS warns terror groups could target LGBTQ events