The State Department issued a high alert for possible violence and terrorist attacks against LGBTQ+ members and activities.
Furthermore, through its website, the agency encouraged all US citizens to remain cautious and keep an eye on “potential terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.”
The department wrote on X, “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.”
As the annual LGBTQ Pride event draws near, the Department of State reports that there is an ” increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against” LGBT people.” The agency echoed a similar statement published by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, warning that terrorist groups, such as ISIS, might take advantage of the Pride month-related activities.
“Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists, including Pride celebrations and venues frequented” by those individuals, the bulletin alerted.
The alert comes in commemoration of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia.
Secretary of State Anthony Blinken also reiterated the Biden administration’s commitment to their DEI policies.
“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.
“This year, like every year, we state unequivocally: LGBTQI+ persons deserve recognition of their universal human rights and human dignity.”
Separately, the FBI and DHS said that the Islamic State might “seek to exploit increased gatherings associated with LGBT events,” and these could come through the mail, online, or in person.
The agencies also cited that June 12 marks the 8th year since the Orlando Nightclub shooting, where 49 people were murdered. Pro-ISIS celebrated the incident and described the attack as “one of the high-profile attacks in Western countries” and “supporters celebrated it.”
The DHS and FBI also caught an ISIS-related message board on February 23, rallying and blasting the “growth and promotion of LGBT groups.”
In April, the FBI arrested Alexander Mercurio, an 18-year-old man in Idaho plotting to carry out violence in local churches.
Meanwhile. Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) said during a congressional hearing that he believes that the likelihood of a terrorist attack is a matter of “when” and not “if.”
He also told fellow lawmakers that the FBI told him about ISIS-backed individuals “facilitating the passage of migrants across the US-Mexican border into the US.”
f the State Department is on high alert to protect members of the LBGBTQ Members, why do they keep letting Muslims into this country. They know Muslims hate gays and throw them off of buildings. It seems like they are trying to play both ends against the middle.