Dutch officials on guard after new LGBT terror threat

The Netherlands' National Coordinator of Counterterrorism and Security has "taken note of" publications by a pro-ISIS group calling for attacks during gay pride events world wide. 

"We follow international developments closely. We are always extra alert at major events. That obviously also goes for the EuroPride", Edmond Messchaert, spokesperson for the coordinator, said to the Telegraaf. Another spokesperson added to the Gelderlander: "This kind of information is included in the security of the Gay Pride in the Netherlands. The events in Orlando show that there is enough reason for it."

The spokesperson referred to a mass shooting at gay club Pulse in Orlando over the weekend. 49 people were killed and 53 wounded when Omar Mateen opened fire in the club. ISIS claimed the massacre.

The call for attack was spread by group Al-Thabaat in various posters on the app Telegram, a messaging app similar to WhatsApp, according to the Gelderlander. "This month is Pride month" one of the posters reads. "There are enough sodomites around. Goose a target and start shooting." The posters also praise Mateen as an example. Another poster showing someone with a bomb strapped to his chest reads: "Kill them wherever you find them."

In the coming months Gay Pride events will be held in numerous countries. Events in Amsterdam are starting on July 23rd.