The State Department issued a global security alert on Friday, cautioning about the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions targeting U.S. citizens and interests.
According to three sources, intelligence reports have indicated threats by ISIS against Pride events in certain parts of Europe.
According to a bulletin from the State Department, there is a heightened risk of violence targeting LGBTQI+ individuals and events, instigated by foreign terrorist organizations. It is worth noting that the previous global threat warning was released back in October 2023.
On Friday, a new alert was issued, following the previous warning from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security last week. The alert emphasized the potential targeting of LGBTQIA+-related events and venues.
The statement warned that terrorist organizations or their supporters might attempt to take advantage of the larger gatherings that typically occur during Pride Month in June 2024.
June is a month of celebration and recognition for the LGBTQ+ community, known as PRIDE month. It is an occasion filled with events and festivities that take place across various parts of the Western world, including the United States.
According to two sources, CBS News has reported that there is concern about a domestic threat from ISIS, even though the State Department bulletin is primarily intended for overseas travel.
According to a recently obtained intelligence bulletin by CBS News on May 10, it has been reported that ISIS has carried out successful external operations in Iran, Russia, and Turkey since January 2024. In addition, the terrorist organization has been issuing calls for attacks against the West and has made threats to seek revenge on its enemies, potentially including the LGBTQIA+ community.
In May, the Joint Counterterrorism Assessment Team, comprising of the FBI, DHS, and the National Counterterrorism Center, released guidelines on violent extremist attacks, plotting, and messaging targeting the LGBTQIA+ community. The guidelines highlighted a specific incident from October 2023, where an individual associated with a popular U.S. video game company publicly expressed support for both Hamas and ISIS, and shared videos advocating for attacks against the LGBTQIA+ community. The guidance stressed the importance of fostering increased collaboration between the LGBTQIA+ community and law enforcement agencies to enhance public safety.
In Moscow, Russia, the most recent notable attack carried out by ISIS occurred in March.
“We are actively collaborating with our partners to assess the current threat landscape, keep the American public informed, and safeguard our nation. It is crucial that everyone remains vigilant and promptly notifies their local law enforcement of any suspicious activity,” stated a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Friday.
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