By Steve Neavling
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are warning of a potential terrorist attack targeting LGBTQ+ Pride Month.
In a joint public service, the agencies said that foreign terrorist organizations, or FTOs, could attack.
“Foreign terrorist organizations or supporters may seek to exploit increased gatherings associated with the upcoming June 2024 Pride Month,” the announcement reads. “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.”
The announcement didn’t include locations or indicate any specific threats, but said foreign terrorist groups and supporters have promoted hateful LGBTQ+ rhetoric and targeted related events.
The agencies noted that June 12 marks the eighth anniversary of an attack on the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, where 49 people were killed and 53 were injured. The gunman had pledged allegiance to ISIS.
In February 2023, ISIS used English-language messaging that focused on anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric “and rallied against the growth and promotion of the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Pride Month is held in June.
