Federal officials warn of possible threats targeting Pride celebrations
The agency cited hateful political rhetoric as the cause of an increase in violence against the LGBTQ community in recent years.
Federal agencies are warning that the LGBTQ community may be targeted during next month’s Pride celebrations.
In a public notice released this month from the FBI and U.S. Department of Homeland Security, officials warn of the possibility for “foreign terrorist organizations” targeting Pride events.
The agency cited hateful political rhetoric as the cause of an increase in violence against the LGBTQ community in recent years.
June 12 will mark the eighth anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, during which the attacker killed 49 people and wounded 53 others. The incident — the deadliest mass shooting targeting the LGBTQ+ community in U.S. history — was quickly deemed an act of domestic terrorism by the FBI.
Locally, the Ferndale Police Department says it’s taking these warnings seriously.
Sergeant Scott Blanchard emphasized that there are no specific threats to Michigan or Ferndale, but the department will have a significant presence at the city’s upcoming Pride Fest.
“Typically, we expect around 10,000 people to show up. All of our security measures that we have will be in place. We also have an in-depth emergency response plan to mitigate any emergency that takes place,” he said.
The Ferndale Pride Fest takes place June 1. The Motor City Pride Fest takes place the following weekend, June 8-9, at Hart Plaza in Detroit.
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