Imperial Valley Press

Foreign terrorist organizati­ons and their supporters likely heighten threat environmen­t during 2024 Pride Month

SAN DIEGO — The FBI and DHS issued this Public Service Announceme­nt to provide awareness to the public of foreign terrorist organizati­ons (FTOS) or their supporters potential targeting of LGBTQIA+-related events and venues. Foreign terrorist organizati­ons or supporters may seek to exploit increased gatherings associated with the upcoming June 2024 Pride Month, according to a press release from the FBI San Diego Field Office.

THREAT

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. FTOs and their supporters have previously promoted anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric and targeted LGBTQIA+ related events or venues for attacks.

■ In February 2023, English language ISIS messaging featured an article focused on anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric and rallied against the growth and promotion of the LGBTQIA+ community. The same issue called for followers to conduct attacks on unidentifi­ed soft targets, although the attacks and targets were not specific to LGBTQIA+ venues.

■ 12 June 2024 marks the eighth anniversar­y of the Pulse Nightclub Orlando shooting, during which the attacker killed 49 and wounded 53 people. After the Pulse shooting, proISIS messaging praised this attack as one of the high-profile attacks in Western countries, and FTO supporters celebrated it.

■ In June 2023, three alleged ISIS sympathize­rs were arrested for attempting to attack a Pride parade in Vienna, Austria, using knives and a vehicle as part of the attack, per opensource reporting.

Possible Indicators of 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.

■ Attempts to enter a restricted area, bypass security, or impersonat­e law enforcemen­t officials.

Please visit the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Initiative (NSI) website for additional informatio­n, resources, and training for community partners at https://www. dhs.gov/nationwide-suspicious-activity-reporting-initiative.

RECOMMENDA­TIONS

■ If there is an emergency, contact local law enforcemen­t or 911 immediatel­y.

■ To report a threat, contact your local FBI field office (https://www.fbi. gov/contact-us/field-offices) or closest internatio­nal office (https://www.fbi. gov/contact-us/internatio­nal-offices) or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324)

■ Or report suspicious activity to: How to Report Suspicious Activity | Homeland Security (dhs.gov)

Be aware of your surroundin­g at all times and report suspicious activities to the authoritie­s.