CSIS warns some LGBTQ2 events, venues may face threats from ‘lone actors’

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service says the possibility of violence against LGBTQ2 people is part of a larger 'anti-gender movement' that continues to pose a threat.

Canada’s national intelligence agency is warning that “inspired lone actors” could target crowded or unsecured Pride events and LGBTQ2 venues this year, inspired by growing anti-LGBTQ2 rhetoric and incitements online.

The warning comes after the U.S. government issued a worldwide travel advisory last week about threats of potential “foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence” against the LGBTQ2 community.

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) said in a statement the possibility of violence against LGBTQ2 people is part of a larger “anti-gender movement” that is expected to continue posing a threat over the coming year.

“CSIS assesses that the violent threat posed by the anti-gender movement is almost certain to continue over the coming year and that violent actors may be inspired by recent ideologically motivated violent extremist attacks, such as the University of Waterloo attack to carry out their own extreme violence against the 2SLGBTQI+ community or against other targets they view as representing the gender ideology ‘agenda,'” spokesperson Eric Balsam told Global News.

Police say a stabbing at the University of Waterloo that injured two students and a professor during a gender studies class last year was a planned act motivated by hate related to gender expression and gender identity. A 24-year-old man is facing multiple charges, including attempted murder.

Although CSIS noted violent rhetoric alone “does not equate or often lead to violence,” it said continued threats against the LGBTQ2 community have informed the agency’s work assessing the national terrorism threat level, which is currently set to medium — meaning an act of terrorism “could occur.”

“Extremist influencers continue to proliferate anti-2SLGBTQI+ rhetoric, threats and incitements online,” Balsam said. “Inspired lone actors could target crowded or unsecured Pride events and 2SLGBTQI+ venues.”

The U.S. Department of State’s advisory last week warned travellers abroad it was aware of an increased risk of “foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence” against LGBTQ2 people and events.