LGBTQ leaders in Hell's Kitchen say they are committed to celebrating Pride as the FBI warns of an increased risk of terrorist activity next month.
“Pride started as a movement of resistance. The LGBTQAI community has always been strong and we remain united,” Congressman Tony Simone told W42ST by phone from Albany tonight. “I'm going to celebrate Pride Month myself…and I'm not worried. We're going to move on with our lives.”
On May 10, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement to the public regarding the possibility that Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTOS) or its supporters may be targeting LGBTQIA+-related events and events. A public service announcement titled “Providing Awareness” was released. venue. ”
The alert does not provide specific information about the threat, other than mentioning “the current heightened threat environment in the United States and other Western countries.” It cites three examples of terrorist-related rhetoric and attacks against the LGBTQ community, none of which occurred within the past 11 months.
Pride commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, the beginning of the modern gay rights movement. This year's New York City Pride March will be held on Sunday, June 30th. The first march was held in 1970, one year after Stonewall, and has since evolved into an annual civil rights demonstration. Its objectives have expanded over time to include raising awareness about the fight against AIDS and honoring those who have died from disease, violence and neglect. Over the years, it has expanded into a full Pride Month, with events held across the city, the United States, and around the world.
Taylor Schubert, owner of Red Eye New York gay bar Hell's Kitchen, said city officials were made aware of the FBI's warning.
“I look forward to working with local law enforcement to make this one of the best and safest Pride celebrations ever,” he said in an email.
“We're very excited about it,” Tommy Greco, owner of the Ritz Bar and Lounge on Restaurant Row, said by phone. There was a similar warning before World Pride. We do baggage checks and catch people trying to smuggle alcohol, but we occasionally stop people with pocket knives. ”
“Other than that, it's the same every year. For 20 years since June, I've received hate letters telling me I'm going to burn in hell!” he said.
Simone said staff is in touch with local officials. People should be cautious but not discouraged from celebrating, he added.
“I know we will continue to work with the NYPD and all local governments to ensure all events are as safe as possible,” Simone said. “I urge everyone to be careful and if you see anything, please call the FBI field office in New York City.”
City Councilman Eric Bottcher called the alert “incredibly disappointing and concerning” in an interview with PIX11 News.
“We should take the warnings seriously and follow the warnings to be vigilant,” he said.
State Sen. Hoylman Segal told W42ST: Across the country, we are seeing an increase in attacks targeting LGBTQ Americans, especially transgender children. ”
“There is no specific threat to New York City at this time. New York City officials are committed to ensuring that the New York City Pride Parade and all other Pride events are safe, inclusive, and enjoyable for all New Yorkers,” Hoylman-Sigal said in a statement. I am confident that it will.”
