NYPD beefs up security ahead of New York City Pride March

Saturday, June 24, 2023

Final preparations underway for Pride weekend

The 53rd annual Pride March steps off Sunday in New York City and the NYPD is beefing up security ahead of the big event. CeFaan Kim has the details.

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- The 53rd annual Pride March steps off Sunday in New York City and the NYPD is beefing up security ahead of the big event.

This year's march is expected to draw a million spectators, 100,000 participants and some 60 floats.

There are no specific or credible threats to Sunday's Pride March, but an assessment by the NYPD said the event will take place "amid an elevated threat environment worldwide" related to the LGBTQ community.

The document, obtained by ABC News, mentions prior acts of mass violence targeting the gay community, including the shooting at Pulse in Orlando.

It also describes one of the rhetoric by extremist groups to encourage violence against the gay community, including a Proud Boys post that calls June and Pride Month a target rich environment.

Hate crimes against the LGBTQ community are down about 5% so far this year compared to last year this time, but given recent vandalism at the Stonewall National Monument, police want the community to know they will be out in full force during the march to ensure everyone is safe.

"They have a direct line to myself, to the chief of department, and if anything happens, we're going to make some adjustments," said NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell.

Mayor Eric Adams says hateful actions of those will not overtake the city's support for the LGBTQ+ community.

"We love our community. We want you here. We want you to do business here. We want the nightlife here. We want you to be part of the energy of this great city. And I am just really proud of what this administration is doing and continue to do," Mayor Adams said.

In 2021, organizers of the Pride march banned NYPD officers from participating in uniform and moved to reduce their presence on the scene. The ban will be reviewed in 2025.

The NYC Pride March kicks off this Sunday at Noon.

We are your home for the NYC Pride March on Sunday, June 25. Watch the broadcast from noon until 3 p.m. on Channel 7 and anywhere you stream ABC7NY. And be sure to join us Saturday, June 24 for our special as we tell inspiring stories about pride.

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