State Department issues worldwide travel alert
The State Department has issued a worldwide travel alert, with special caution urged for people taking part in LGBTQI+ events.
“Due to the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution,” the State Department warning noted. “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 alert did not mention specific threats or details but comes ahead of Pride Month, an annual celebration of LGBTQI+ people.
Travelers were cautioned to stay alert in areas frequented by tourists, especially at Pride celebrations or venues visited often by LGBTQI+ people. People are also advised to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive information and alerts and make it easier for them to be located in the event of an emergency.
Last week, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security issued a similar joint public announcement warning of the potential for foreign terrorist violence against LGBTQI+ people and events, Politico reported. That warning cited several recent anti-LGBTQI+ messages from terrorist organizations, as well as the eighth anniversary of the June 12, 2016 attack on the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida where 49 people were killed and 53 wounded.
Indicators of potential threats, the notice said, include violent comments made online, in person and via the mail. People were also advised to be on alert for unusual or prolonged questioning about security measures at events or venues; someone taking pictures of security-related equipment, personnel or access points; or attempts to gain access to restricted areas, bypass security or imitate law enforcement.