Organizers of Denver’s PrideFest, which holds a parade and rally that has attracted hundreds of thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in past years, is going ahead with their festival next weekend amid heavy security following the shooting deaths of at least early Sunday.
Organizer Debra Pollock says parade and rally participants in Denver have always been security-conscious, but members of the GLBT Community Center of Colorado have also received training on how to deal with active-shooter situations.
Pollock says the organizers will have metal detectors and fences set up at Civic Center Park for the rally, and there will also be security on the parade route and people will be searched as in past years.
On Sunday afternoon, the Executive Director of Public Safety Stephanie Y. O’Malley and Chief Robert C. White made a joint statement on the Orlando shooting: “The shooting that occurred in Orlando is tragic and senseless and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their loved ones, and to the injured officers who responded to this horrible act of violence. The Department of Public Safety is giving due attention to safeguard Denver’s annual Pride-Fest celebration activities and participants, and our officers will continue to work closely with the LGBTQ community to support their safety.”
