US issues worldwide alert amid threat of violence against LGBTQ+ community ahead of Pride Month

WASHINGTON – The US State Department issues a worldwide caution security alert, saying it is aware of increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against LGBTQ+ people and events.

“Due to the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against US citizens and interests, the Department of State advises US citizens overseas to exercise increased caution,” the department says in a statement.

The alert comes two weeks before the start of LGBTQ+ Pride Month in the United States.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says in a statement people in the LGBTQ+ community “continue to face insidious forms of stigma and discrimination.”

In Israel, the Jerusalem’s Pride and Tolerance March will gather under the slogan “Born to be Free,” combining a call for the release of 132 hostages held by Hamas and other terror groups in the Gaza Strip to its customary rally in support of LGBTQ rights. Tel Aviv has canceled its flagship annual pride parade in the shadow of the war.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.