The FBI and Department of Homeland Security recently issued a joint public service announcement warning of the potential targeting of events during LGBTQ Pride Month by foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs). The announcement highlighted concerns about FTOs exploiting the increased gatherings associated with Pride celebrations, referencing ISIS messaging focused on anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and an attempted knife attack at a Pride parade in Vienna last year. Officials also pointed to the upcoming eighth anniversary of the 2016 Pulse nightclub mass shooting in Orlando, Florida, as a reason for heightened vigilance.
While officials did not name specific FTOs or cite particular cities or events as potential targets, Pride groups and local law enforcement agencies sought to reassure attendees and emphasized the importance of continuing to live their lives without fear. NYC Pride’s executive director and the NYPD stressed their commitment to working with law enforcement and private security to ensure safety during Pride events. San Francisco Pride also stated that they take potential threats seriously and are working closely with law enforcement to plan accordingly.
Brandon Wolf, a Pulse nightclub shooting survivor and spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign, emphasized the defiant and celebratory spirit of Pride, noting that the greatest antidotes to hate are living openly, celebrating defiantly, and waving their flags higher than ever before. The alert from the FBI and DHS serves as a reminder to remain vigilant, particularly in light of the upcoming anniversary of the Pulse shooting. Wolf’s message underscores the importance of continuing to celebrate Pride without fear of hate and violence.
In addition to foreign threats, domestic actors have also targeted Pride events in recent years. Instances include a Kansas man charged with threatening to bomb and commit a mass shooting at an LGBTQ Pride event in Nashville, police arresting 31 individuals affiliated with the white nationalist group Patriot Front for suspicion of rioting at a Pride event in Idaho, and a Long Island man arrested for threats to attack New York City’s Pride march. These incidents underscore the ongoing need for vigilance and security measures at Pride events to ensure the safety and well-being of attendees.
Overall, the joint public service announcement from the FBI and DHS heightens awareness about the potential targeting of LGBTQ Pride events by FTOs and serves as a reminder of the ongoing threats faced by the community. Pride groups, local law enforcement agencies, and advocacy organizations are committed to working together to ensure the safety and security of attendees during Pride Month celebrations. The message of defiance and resilience from survivors and advocates underscores the importance of living openly and celebrating Pride without fear, even in the face of hate and violence.
