FBI warns there could be threats against LGBTQ2S+ events

The US government has warned that groups from other countries who support terrorism might attack LGBTQ events and places in June during Pride Month.

The FBI and Homeland Security warned people on May 10 about possible attacks by foreign terrorist groups or their supporters at LGBTQIA+ events and places.

“International terrorist groups or their supporters might try to take advantage of larger gatherings during the June 2024 Pride Month,” the agencies said.

The announcement did not say where or what the agencies were looking for. The report says that in the past, terrorist groups from other countries have spread hateful ideas about LGBTQ2S+ people and have attacked events related to them.

The announcement said that June 12 is the eighth anniversary of the attack on the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida. It was the worst attack ever on the LGBTQ2S+ community in the US. 49 people were killed and 53 were injured during “Latin Night” at the club. The SWAT team shot and killed Omar Mateen after he held them off for three hours. He promised to be loyal to the Islamic State.

Last year in June, three people who supported the Islamic State group were arrested in Vienna for trying to attack a Pride event.

The announcement also mentioned some things to look for that could show there’s a problem, like violent threats online or in the mail. Potential bad people could try to take pictures of security stuff or ways to get in at events. They might also try to get into areas they’re not supposed to be in or pretend to be police officers. They might also talk to workers at different places to find out what events are coming up and how many people might be there.

In June, Pride Month is a really important time for LGBTQ2S+ people and their rights. The first Pride march in New York City was on June 28, 1970. Now, Pride marches happen all over the country to talk about issues and celebrate.