US State Department issues global security alert about possible attacks on LGBTQ people and events

By Kylie Atwood, CNN

(CNN) – The U.S. State Department issued a global security alert Friday about possible terrorist attacks against LGBTQ people and events.

“Due to the possibility of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the State Department advises U.S. citizens abroad to exercise increased caution. “The State Department is aware of the increased potential for violence against LGBTQI+ people and events inspired by foreign terrorist organizations and advises U.S. citizens abroad to exercise increased caution,” the alert said.

The warning comes two weeks before Pride Month begins on June 1st. The department warned U.S. citizens to remain vigilant in places frequently visited by tourists, “including Pride celebrations and venues frequented by LGBTQI+ people.”

Earlier this week, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security also issued a warning that foreign terrorist organizations and their supporters could target LGBTQ events and venues as Pride Month approaches.

Last year, police in Austria successfully foiled an attack on the annual Pride parade in Vienna and arrested three suspects, aged 14, 17 and 20, who were linked to Islamic extremism. That same year, the Human Rights Campaign, advocating for the LGBTQ community for the first time in its 40-year history, declared a national state of emergency for LGBTQ Americans.

And the year before, two dozen men believed to be linked to a white nationalist group were arrested, foiling their plans to riot at a Pride celebration in Idaho.

CNN’s Avery Lotz contributed to this report.

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