The government of the Bahamas is urging “extreme caution” for its citizens – in particular, young males – visiting the United States during the island nation’s Independence Day weekend celebrations.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Immigration posted a warning to travelers on Facebook, in the wake of the police-involved shooting deaths of two black men in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the St. Paul, Minnesota, suburb of Falcon Heights this week.
The ministry said that due to “recent tension” in some cities, all tourists to the U.S. should exercise caution due, but “(in) particular young males,” saying they should “not be confrontational and cooperate.”
Those tensions escalated Thursday night when five police officers were killed and seven other people were injured in a sniper attack at a police brutality protest in downtown Dallas.
“If there is any issue please allow consular offices for the Bahamas to deal with the issues. Do not get involved in political or other demonstrations under any circumstances and avoid crowds,” the statement said.
Other nations have issued similar safety warnings for those traveling to the U.S. in the past. According to The Washington Post, France urged caution for residents traveling to St. Louis, Cleveland and Baltimore.
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade posts a standing warning for its citizens to be "vigilant to the possibility of gun crime" on U.S. soil, and says travelers should familiarize themselves with active shooter and emergency evacuation drills.
And Canadian officials make special mention of South Florida – saying their nationals have been victims of various crimes in the Miami area.
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