The US State Department has issued a new worldwide security alert, warning American citizens that foreign terror groups are planning to attack LGBTQI+ Pride marches and events.
The new alert, issued on Friday, says: “The Department of State is aware of the increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against LGBTQI+ persons and events and advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution”.
LGBTQI+ events now take place year-round, but Pride Month is traditionally celebrated throughout the month of June to honor the Stonewall Riots, which began in response to a police raid which took place at the Stonewall Inn in New York City in late June 1969.
The majority of Pride events and marches still take place in the month ofJune, although some start in May, with events scheduled throughout the summer months.
The US State Department did not provide any further details about the threat posed by terror groups against any specific event or location, but American citizens are being urged to “stay alert in locations frequented by tourists, including Pride celebrations and venues frequented by LGBTQI+ persons.”
The warning came on the same day that the world marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
In the weeks before the Moscow concert attack in March that left more than 60 people dead, the US government said that it had provided “clear” and “detailed” to Russian authorities about a potential attack against mass gatherings and concerts.
On March 7, the US State Department had also warned American citizens to avoid mass gatherings due to the risk of a terror attack.
