The State Department issues a global alert warning of violence against the LGBTQ community

The State Department issued a global security alert Friday, warning of “the possibility of terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.”

The threat warning was the result of intelligence information citing ISIS threats against Pride events in parts of Europe, three sources told CBS News.

The State Department bulletin speaks of an “increased potential for violence against LGBTQI+ people and events inspired by foreign terrorist organizations.” The last such global threat alert was issued in October 2023.

Friday’s warning follows an alert from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security last week that warned of “potential attacks on LGBTQIA+-related events and venues.”

“Foreign terrorist organizations or supporters may seek to exploit increasing gatherings associated with the upcoming Pride Month in June 2024,” it said.

June is PRIDE Month with events and celebrations across much of the Western world, including the United States

Although the State Department bulletin is intended for foreign travel, there is concern about a domestic threat from ISIS, two sources told CBS News.

An unclassified intelligence bulletin dated May 10, obtained by CBS News, said: “Since January 2024, ISIS has successfully conducted external operations in Iran, Russia and Turkey, calling for attacks against the West and pledging to follow its lead “This could also include the LGBTQIA+ community.”

In May, the Joint Counterterrorism Assessment Team – which includes contributions from the FBI, DHS and the National Counterterrorism Center – also issued guidance on violent extremist attacks, conspiracies and messages targeting the LGBTQIA+ community. That document highlighted an October 2023 incident in which a user at a popular U.S. video game company who had publicly pledged allegiance to Hamas and ISIS posted videos calling for such attacks. The guidelines called for greater engagement between the LGBTQIA+ community and public safety officials.

The last significant ISIS attack occurred in Moscow, Russia, in March.

“We continue to work with our partners to assess the threat environment, keep the American public informed and protect our homeland. We urge the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement,” a DHS spokesperson said in a statement Friday.