Pride Houston adds more security following federal terrorism warnings

Kat Bailey hands out candy during the Pride Parade, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Photo: Angela Piazza/Caller-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK

Following warnings from the federal government, Pride Houston 365 announced it would work closely with more than 27 safety and security agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security, Houston EMS, private security and undercover police , to ensure that the event takes place safely. . And Pride organizations in several other cities are following suit.

The added security comes after the FBI, State Department and Department of Homeland Security all said there was an increased risk of terrorism or violence during the 2024 Pride festivals and warned gays to be careful.

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A joint statement from DHS and the FBI said “foreign terrorist organizations or their supporters may seek to exploit increased gatherings associated with the upcoming Pride Month of June 2024” but did not mention specific threats. They cited the shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando as an example.

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“The FTO’s (Foreign Terrorist Organization) efforts to commit or inspire violence against holiday celebrations, including Pride celebrations or venues related to the LGBTQIA+ community, are compounded by the current environment of heightened threat to United States and other Western countries. FTOs and their supporters have previously promoted anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric and targeted LGBTQIA+-related events or locations for attacks,” the statement said.

“We want to reassure our community that your safety is our top priority…Pride has always been an event to celebrate despite hatred and fear. We are taking every step possible to ensure our festival and parade remains a safe space where everyone can come together in celebration and solidarity,” Pride Houston 365 said in a statement released earlier this week.

Pride Houston 365 further stated that the security measures are intended to “ensure our event is a fortress of joy and unity.”

Last week, the State Department issued its own warning about possible terrorist threats against Pride events in Europe: “The State Department is aware of the increased potential for violence inspired by foreign terrorist organizations against LGBTQI+ people and events and advises U.S. citizens abroad. exercise increased caution.

The statement advises U.S. citizens abroad to “remain vigilant in places frequented by tourists, including Pride celebrations and places frequented by LGBTQI+ people.”

This kind of warning just before Pride is unusual. The president of the LGBTQ+ travel network IGLTA, John Tanzella, told the New York Times that “the State Department’s recent global travel advisory specifically targeting the LGBTQ+ community is unlike any other we’ve seen before, but it s ‘also aligns with the escalation of anti-LGBTQ+ actions globally. »

The 46th Houston Pride Festival and Parade will take place on June 29. The organization said the “Houston Pride event is renowned for being one of the safest parades, with an impeccable record of no violence or terrorism.”

In Florida, organizers of the Wilton Manors Stonewall Parade and Festival also discussed security measures with the media, saying they were still on “heightened alert” due to numerous threats to Pride celebrations.

“There’s a lot of safety that comes into play,” organizer Jameer Baptiste told 6 South Florida. “We work closely with the police department and there’s really a lot of security in terms of sniper locations which, of course, can’t be revealed, but a lot of protocol is implemented to ensure the safety of people.”

In Columbus, Ohio, Pride organizers said they took terror warnings seriously.

“We take these concerns very seriously, just as we take safety seriously every year at this event,” said Stonewall Executive Director Densil Porteous. Columbus Expedition.

“We are working to put in place comprehensive measures including increased security personnel, strategic planning and coordination with emergency services, and ongoing risk assessments to respond to a variety of scenarios that may arise” , they continued. “We understand the importance of not only celebrating our identity and history, but also of doing so in a safe and secure environment. Please be assured that we are committed to hosting a safe and inclusive event for everyone.

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