WASHINGTON – Washington police have beefed up patrols for Sunday’s Capital Pride Festival following a mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, that left an estimated 50 people dead and more than 50 hospitalized.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a statement that she was briefed by D.C. police Chief Cathy Lanier about additional security measures being taken. Police said in a tweet that revelers could expect additional police presence at the festival.
Capital Pride is an annual celebration of the LGBT community in the region attended by more than 100,000 annually, according to organizers.
“This morning, our hearts are heavy after hearing about the tragedy in Orlando. Just yesterday, we held the annual Capital Pride Parade, a celebration of the rich diversity and contributions of the LGBTQ community in the District of Columbia,” Bowser said.
“Today as always, we will not be deterred by hate as we gather to celebrate love.”
The Capital Pride Alliance said festival-goers would observe a moment of silence at 1 p.m. Sunday.
“We deplore the wanton and senseless act of terrorism in Orlando, Florida, earlier this morning, and our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and friends and the people of central Florida,” the organizers of the Pride festival said.
The group said the festival would go on as planned.
“We have every confidence in the security we are able to provide at our events, in large part because of our cooperative partnership with local and federal law enforcement agencies in the Washington, D.C. area, and the strong measures that are already in place for the city,” the group said.