Foreign terrorist organizations may seek to exploit "LGBTQIA+-related events and venues," including those during the 2024 Pride month in June, as warned by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security in a recent public service announcement.
The announcement highlighted that groups like ISIS might aim to exploit the increased gatherings associated with the upcoming June 2024 Pride Month. This threat is seen as more significant due to the "current heightened threat environment" in the United States. The FBI and DHS noted that these threats could manifest online, in person, or through the mail. In a public service announcement, the agencies mentioned that last February, ISIS called for attacks on unspecified soft targets, though not specifically LGBTQIA+ venues.
Nearly eight years ago, ISIS praised the June 12, 2016, shooting at Pulse nightclub, where a gunman killed 49 people and wounded 53 at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Following the Pulse shooting, pro-ISIS messages hailed it as a significant attack in Western countries, and supporters of foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) celebrated it. However, there is no evidence that ISIS directed or had prior knowledge of the attack. The shooter did call 911 during the incident to pledge allegiance to ISIS.
Javed Ali, former senior counterterrorism director on the National Security Council, stated that terrorist groups have long targeted members of the LGBTQ+ community. Ali, now an associate professor at the University of Michigan's Ford School of Public Policy, noted that LGBQTIA+ individuals have been targeted by al-Qaida and ISIS supporters in the past, based on their perceived lifestyles and beliefs. He added that while the announcement warned of potential attacks on the community, it remains unclear whether there was specific and credible intelligence regarding such threats or if it was a precautionary measure due to Pride month.
The FBI warned that signs of a planned attack could include probing security measures at events, taking photographs of security, and asking unusual questions about event security.
Last year, despite threats received, no major Pride events were canceled. GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis emphasized that Pride events "bring communities together" and that ensuring safety is a priority for all LGBTQ gatherings. She stated that a small number of extremists, both domestic and overseas, feel threatened by the increasing acceptance of LGBTQ people. Ellis stressed the importance of keeping Pride events safe for all attendees and encouraged people to continue attending and advocating for equality and safety for all marginalized communities throughout the year.