NYPD beefs up security after Orlando shooting; Stonewall vigil planned

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The NYPD is beefing up security in New York City in the aftermath of the mass shooting at an Orlando nightclub. Vigils are being held around the world to remember the victims of the massacre, including a large gathering at the historic Stonewall Inn.

There are also several New York City pride events over the course of the next couple of weeks that are a cause for concern, but organizers say changing their plans would be a win for the terrorists. Instead, they say, love will win. Still, additional measures will be in place.

"We respond to instances that occur around the world," Mayor Bill de Blasio said. "We live in a very constant state of vigilance, and we have since 9/11."

The NYPD set up heightened security measures near the Stonewall Inn, where crowds surrounded a makeshift memorial in honor of the victims.

"We will do everything in our power," NYPD Commissioner William Bratton said. "We will be there for them as we are every other day. Reduce the fear they are facing, we will be there for every New Yorker. We are here to defend and protect."

In the wake of the tragic mass shooting, organizers of NYC Pride Week are preparing for added security measures.

"We need people to know that we're here and will not be silenced," media director James Fallarino said.

Starting this Sunday, NYC Pride will be hosting 11 events celebrating pride season and continuing throughout a two-week period.

"They will definitely see a strong police presence, a strong presence from our private security company and other measures that we need to take," Fallarino said.

Authorities stressed there were no specific threats, but that officers would be no less vigilant.

"In the coming days, you will see expanded police presence," de Blasio said. "Many key sites around the city, again particularly at sites of importance to the LGBT community."

NYPD security, including critical response teams and special K-9 units, will continue during the upcoming events, and police want people to be alert and be aware of any potential problems.

"We have 36,000 in the NYPD, but we need the help of each and every New Yorker," NYPD Chief of Department James O'Neill said. "They need to pay attention to what is going on around them. If they see something that makes them feel uncomfortable, they need to take steps to reach out to us to make sure we handle it properly."

On Sunday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said there will be extra police presence at events such as parades, transportation hubs and sporting venues.

"This is a terrible reminder of the gun violence that we have in this nation," Cuomo said. "I'm glad that this state is taking action, because the gun violence is getting worse and worse and worse."

The Port Authority is on heightened alert at all of the agency's bridge, tunnel, rail, World Trade Center and other facilities, and the MTA has increased its patrols and surveillance in order to provide heightened protection across all its agencies.