The State Department warned Friday of an increased potential for terrorist attacks targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and events.
“Due to the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises US citizens overseas to exercise increased caution,” read the department’s “worldwide caution” alert.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. AP“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,” it continued.
The alert comes two weeks before the start of Pride Month in June, a period marked by parades and events dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ+ communities.
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security issued a similar public service announcement earlier this month, warning that foreign terrorist organizations “may seek to exploit increased gatherings” linked to Pride Month celebrations.
The State Department urged US citizens traveling overseas to “stay alert” in tourist areas, particularly if attending “Pride celebrations and venues frequented by LGBTQI+ persons.”
The alert was issued the same day Secretary of State Antony Blinken commemorated International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia.
“On this day, we reflect upon the violence and discrimination lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) persons worldwide suffer and re-commit ourselves to opposing these acts,” Blinken said in a statement. “This year, like every year, we state unequivocally: LGBTQI+ persons deserve recognition of their universal human rights and human dignity.”
“On this day and every day, the United States stands with LGBTQI+ persons around the world,” he added. “We will continue to advocate for the rights of LGBTQI+ persons not just because we have a moral imperative to do so, but because it helps to strengthen democracy, bolster national security, and promote global health and economic development.”
