The federal government is warning Americans traveling abroad during June's LGBTQ Pride Month to be cautious, citing concerns that the event could become a target for extremist groups.
In a travel advisory issued Friday, the State Department said U.S. citizens attending Pride Month events abroad should do so “with increased caution” due to concerns about possible terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or other acts of violence “against American citizens or interests.” “We should be on high alert,” he said.
“The Department of State recognizes the increasing potential for violence inspired by foreign terrorist organizations against LGBTQI+ people and events,” the department said in the warning, urging U.S. travelers to “ He urged people to “remain vigilant” in places frequented by tourists, such as . Frequently visited by LGBTQI+ people. ”
A State Department spokesperson declined to comment on whether any specific incidents or threats against the LGBTQ community preceded this recommendation.
“The State Department has no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens overseas,” the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “We take seriously our commitment to provide clear, timely and reliable information about countries around the world to help Americans make informed travel decisions.”
The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security similarly warned this month that foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) could target domestic Pride Month events.
“FTO’s efforts to commit or incite violence against holiday celebrations, including Pride celebrations and LGBTQIA+ related venues, are further exacerbated by current heightened threats in the United States and other Western countries. ,” the agencies said in a joint public service announcement.
“The FTO and its supporters have previously promoted anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric and targeted LGBTQIA+ events and venues.”
Officials cited an “ISIS message” from February 2023 that focused on anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and “opposed the growth and promotion of the LGBTQIA+ community.”
This year marks the eighth anniversary of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, authorities said, adding, “After the Pulse shooting, pro-ISIS messages raised the profile of the attack in the Western world.'' “I praised it as one of the attacks.” And FTO supporters celebrated. ”
Officials also noted the arrest of three “alleged ISIS sympathizers” for attempting to attack a Pride parade in Vienna, Austria, last June.
In recent years, Pride celebrations have come under threat of violence from far-right extremist groups.
Last year, a Kansas man was arrested and charged with threatening to blow up a Nashville Pride event, and in 2022, members of the white supremacist group Patriot Front were arrested near a Pride celebration in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. 31 people were arrested on conspiracy charges. cause a riot.
GLAAD and the Anti-Defamation League documented at least 145 LGBTQ-motivated hate and extremism incidents last June, including a man who directed a homophobic slur at a gas station in Texas. This includes murders of women by men.
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