State Department issues worldwide alert for potential terror attacks on LGBT Americans overseas
The United States Department of State issued a worldwide alert on Friday, regarding potential terror attacks against Americans overseas, especially those in the LGBTQ community.
The State Department said Americans should exercise increased caution when attending events in other countries, but did not provide any further detail on the increased risks. However, the warning comes two weeks before the start of Pride month in the U.S., typically observed in June.
"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," the department said in a post on X.
The alert comes on the "International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia," according to Blinken.
"Today on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia, the United States re-affirms its commitment to promoting the safety and dignity of LGBTQI+ persons," Blinken wrote in a post to X. "This is not just a moral imperative, but a key component of advancing our national interests."
An unnamed administration official said the warning is related to a Homeland Security and FBI announcement that warned that foreign terrorist organizations might seek to exploit "LGBTQIA+-related events and venues," including events during Pride month, according to ABC News.
It also comes after an Argentina court revealed Friday that three lesbian women were killed in a suspected arson attack on May 6. A fourth woman was injured in the fire, which was allegedly set by a man. A formal investigation into the fire is still ongoing, NBC News reported.
Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just the News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.