FBI Warns Of Possible Terror Threats During NYC Pride Month
Organized efforts to inspire violence against Pride events "are compounded by the current heightened threat" in the U.S., the FBI wrote. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have issued a warning about possible threats to Pride events across the country, including the largest pride march in the U.S., taking place in New York City. The warning was prompted by foreign terrorist organizations (FTO) efforts to target or inspire violence against holiday celebrations, including Pride celebrations or LGBTQIA+-related venues. The agencies did not identify any specific locations or credible threats. The alert also highlighted the heightened threat environment in the United States and other western countries following the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, which killed 49 people and injured dozens more. The organizations urge attendees to report potential threats, including violent threats made online, in person, or via mail, or unusual testing or probing of security measures at events or venues.
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NEW YORK CITY — Pride events across the nation — including the largest pride march in the U.S., taking place in New York City — are under threat of being targeted by foreign terrorist organizations this month, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security said in a warning.
“FTO efforts to commit or inspire violence against holiday celebrations, including Pride celebrations or LGBTQIA+-related venues, are compounded by the current heightened threat environment in the United States and other western countries,” the May 10 warning reads. While the agencies did not identify any specific locations or credible threats, the warning notes foreign terrorist groups have promoted anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric and targeted LGBTQIA+ related events or venues for attacks.
English ISIS messaging from February 2023 called for followers to conduct attacks on unidentified targets and rallied against the growth and promotion of the LGBTQIA+ community, the agencies added. June 12 marks the eighth anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, which killed 49 people and injured dozens more. The shooting serves as the deadliest attack on the LGBTQ+ community in U.S. history.
Gunman Omar Mateen, who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, was killed by SWAT team members after an hours long standoff. “After the Pulse shooting, pro-ISIS messaging praised this attack as one of the high-profile attacks in Western countries, and FTO supporters celebrated it,” the agencies wrote.
NYC Pride, the organization behind the annual march, hires private security including setup officers, fire guards, and special event supervisors “who will liaise with NYC Pride staff, security personnel, venue personnel, and government agencies” for the major event. NYC Pride personnel is trained on active shooters and other threats, as well as evacuation exit and communication plans, according to the NYC Pride website.
The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security urge Pride event attendees to report the following potential threat activity:
• Violent threats made online, in person, or via mail.
• Unusual or prolonged testing or probing of security measures at events or venues.
• Photography of security related equipment, personnel, or access points consistent with pre-operational surveillance without a reasonable alternative explanation.
• Unusual surveillance or interest in buildings, gatherings, or events.
• Attempts to gain access to restricted areas, bypass security, or impersonate law enforcement officials.
• Observation of or questions about facility security measures, including barriers, restricted areas, cameras, and intrusion detection systems without a reasonable alternative explanation.
• Eliciting information from facility personnel regarding the nature of upcoming events, crowd sizes, busiest times of day, etc. without a reasonable alternative explanation. To report a threat, contact your local FBI field office here or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324)