Staying safe at summer events: What you should know about the new DHS and FBI advisory
- Replies 0
As summer approaches and communities gear up for parades, concerts, and large festivals, federal officials are urging Americans to stay alert.
A recent bulletin from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI emphasizes that public events—especially those with large crowds—could be attractive targets for violence.
While there are no known, specific threats at this time, the warning encourages a mindset of preparedness, not panic.
The bulletin, sent nationwide on May 23, follows the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staff members in Washington, DC.
While that incident is still under investigation, DHS officials noted in a separate update that “the 21 May attack… underscores how the Israel-HAMAS conflict continues to inspire violence and could spur radicalization or mobilization to violence against targets perceived as supporting Israel.”
The agencies make it clear that current warnings are not tied to a specific event, but rather reflect ongoing concerns.
“Violent extremist messaging continues to highlight major sporting and cultural events and venues as potential targets,” the bulletin states, adding that “threat actors—including domestic violent extremists (DVEs), homegrown violent extremists (HVEs) inspired by Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), and other mass casualty attackers not motivated by an ideology—previously have targeted public events with little to no warning.”
Why public events are a focus this summer
According to the advisory, events such as World Pride 2025, Independence Day celebrations, and the 250th Army anniversary parade could attract attention from violent individuals.
These gatherings are high-profile, draw large crowds, and often carry symbolic significance.
The bulletin also warns that “calls for violence typically increase in the days leading up to holidays or big events.”
Also read: The tragic betrayal: Georgia man sentenced to life for wife’s murder after 18-month manhunt
Tactics used in past attacks
Unfortunately, attackers have used a wide range of methods in previous incidents.
The bulletin notes that “attackers in the United States historically have used a variety of tactics to target public events, including vehicles, firearms, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).”
Vehicle-ramming attacks, sometimes combined with weapons or explosives, remain a recurring tactic in pedestrian-heavy areas.
Not all threats are ideologically driven
Interestingly, officials point out that not all threats stem from extremist ideologies.
“Domestic and homegrown extremists not primarily motivated by an ideology likely will see public events as potential attack targets,” the bulletin explains.
These individuals may act based on personal grievances or the desire for notoriety, making prevention and detection more difficult.
Also read: “He lost it”: Cassie Ventura’s full trial transcript on Diddy’s violent episodes and “freak offs”
Online praise raises concern of copycat acts
In the case of the recent DC shooting, DHS reports that “online users [have been] sharing the suspect’s alleged writings and praising the shooter and generally calling for more violence.”
They add, “If calls for violence continue, particularly if other violent extremists… reference the Capital Jewish Museum shooter, our concern for additional violence in the Homeland would increase.”
What you can do to stay safe
There’s no need to cancel your summer plans—but being prepared can help ensure a safe, enjoyable time.
Here are a few tips:
Security professionals are working to keep public spaces safe—but they rely on everyday citizens to do their part, too.
By staying alert and informed, we all contribute to making events safer for everyone.
Read next: What’s really happening downtown after dark? Locals say it’s not the city they remember
Have you ever seen something suspicious at a public event? Do you have safety tips to share with the community? Drop a comment below—we’re stronger when we look out for each other!
A recent bulletin from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI emphasizes that public events—especially those with large crowds—could be attractive targets for violence.
While there are no known, specific threats at this time, the warning encourages a mindset of preparedness, not panic.
The bulletin, sent nationwide on May 23, follows the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staff members in Washington, DC.
While that incident is still under investigation, DHS officials noted in a separate update that “the 21 May attack… underscores how the Israel-HAMAS conflict continues to inspire violence and could spur radicalization or mobilization to violence against targets perceived as supporting Israel.”
The FBI and DHS urge vigilance as summer events draw large crowds nationwide. Image Source: YouTube / SebScreen.
The agencies make it clear that current warnings are not tied to a specific event, but rather reflect ongoing concerns.
“Violent extremist messaging continues to highlight major sporting and cultural events and venues as potential targets,” the bulletin states, adding that “threat actors—including domestic violent extremists (DVEs), homegrown violent extremists (HVEs) inspired by Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), and other mass casualty attackers not motivated by an ideology—previously have targeted public events with little to no warning.”
Why public events are a focus this summer
According to the advisory, events such as World Pride 2025, Independence Day celebrations, and the 250th Army anniversary parade could attract attention from violent individuals.
These gatherings are high-profile, draw large crowds, and often carry symbolic significance.
The bulletin also warns that “calls for violence typically increase in the days leading up to holidays or big events.”
Also read: The tragic betrayal: Georgia man sentenced to life for wife’s murder after 18-month manhunt
Tactics used in past attacks
Unfortunately, attackers have used a wide range of methods in previous incidents.
The bulletin notes that “attackers in the United States historically have used a variety of tactics to target public events, including vehicles, firearms, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).”
Vehicle-ramming attacks, sometimes combined with weapons or explosives, remain a recurring tactic in pedestrian-heavy areas.
Not all threats are ideologically driven
Interestingly, officials point out that not all threats stem from extremist ideologies.
“Domestic and homegrown extremists not primarily motivated by an ideology likely will see public events as potential attack targets,” the bulletin explains.
These individuals may act based on personal grievances or the desire for notoriety, making prevention and detection more difficult.
Also read: “He lost it”: Cassie Ventura’s full trial transcript on Diddy’s violent episodes and “freak offs”
Online praise raises concern of copycat acts
In the case of the recent DC shooting, DHS reports that “online users [have been] sharing the suspect’s alleged writings and praising the shooter and generally calling for more violence.”
They add, “If calls for violence continue, particularly if other violent extremists… reference the Capital Jewish Museum shooter, our concern for additional violence in the Homeland would increase.”
What you can do to stay safe
There’s no need to cancel your summer plans—but being prepared can help ensure a safe, enjoyable time.
Here are a few tips:
- Stay informed – Monitor local news and official updates for any safety notices related to events.
- Be observant – If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and report it.
- Know your exits – When you arrive, make a mental note of the nearest exits and emergency services.
- Report suspicious activity – Unattended bags or unusual behavior should be brought to the attention of staff or law enforcement.
- Have a backup plan – If attending with others, choose a meeting point in case you get separated.
Security professionals are working to keep public spaces safe—but they rely on everyday citizens to do their part, too.
By staying alert and informed, we all contribute to making events safer for everyone.
Read next: What’s really happening downtown after dark? Locals say it’s not the city they remember
Have you ever seen something suspicious at a public event? Do you have safety tips to share with the community? Drop a comment below—we’re stronger when we look out for each other!
