Jewish, LGBTQI Communities Face Increased Terrorist Threat, U.S. Warns

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Department of Homeland Security issued a nationwide law enforcement bulletin Wednesday warning of possible threats by domestic extremists targeting LGBTQ and Jewish communities and ideological opponents.

The warning comes less than two weeks after a gunman opened fire, killing five and injuring 17 at an LGBTQI club in Colorado. It also comes as Los Angeles County has endured a wave of emboldened antisemites distributing flyers across the Westside and unfurling banners over the San Diego (405) Freeway.

"There are no specific threats to the LA area, but the LAPD remains vigilant for any potential threat or attacks on our community and encourage all people within the LA area that if you see something, say something," said Los Angeles Police Department Officer Jeff Lee.

Specifically referencing the LGBTQ community, the bulletin pointed to the deadly shooting at the Club Q nightclub in Colorado Springs and the attack on Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband in the Bay Area.

"Targets of potential violence include public gatherings, faith-based institutions, the LGBTQI+ community, schools, racial and religious minorities, government facilities and personnel, U.S. critical infrastructure, the media, and perceived ideological opponents," the bulletin warns.

"In the coming months, threat actors could exploit several upcoming events to justify or commit acts of violence, including certifications related to the midterm elections, the holiday season and associated large gatherings, the marking of two years since the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, and potential sociopolitical developments connected to ideological beliefs or personal hostility," the DHS bulletin stated.

In the wake of the bulletin, the Los Angeles LGBT Center insisted its facility is "safe and protected."Asked about the bulletin, a representative for the Los Angeles LGBT Center told City News Service the center "remains committed to providing a safe and celebratory space for our community."

"While recent events -- including the tragedy in Colorado Springs -- have certainly called for heightened security, any and all of our patrons should know that they are always safe and protected when they enter our doors," the representative said.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.