Seattle police developing ‘robust security plans’ following Orlando massacre
Jun 13, 2016, 8:13 AM | Updated: 9:15 am
With one of the largest pride parades less than two weeks away, Seattle leaders are now grappling with the need for more security.
The Seattle Police Department tells KIRO 7 that it is “regrouping to develop more robust security plans around pride events.” Following the mass shooting in an Orlando nightclub, the department plans to take “extra measures” moving forward.
Related: Orlando massacre proves we need more alert gun shop owners
Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole says she has been talking with officials from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security about any potential threats to the city. Though there is “no information indicating any specific threat to Seattle,” O’Toole says people can expect to see an increased police presence.
Mayor Ed Murray, who spoke during a Sunday night vigil in Cal Anderson Park, says Seattle officers have received “substantial active shooter training.”
“We will, as we have in the past, face this fear,” Murray said Sunday night. “We will not be intimidated, we will stand together and we will be strong.”
Seattle police were out Sunday night during the vigil for the victims of the Orlando shooting.
A little pickup basketball game at Cal Anderson Park! @SeattlePD @KIRO7Seattle pic.twitter.com/zZMDHUBSiA
— DeborahHorne (@DeborahKIRO7) June 13, 2016
.@SeattlePD officer playing with kids under the giant rainbow flag #PulseShooting @seattletimes pic.twitter.com/qdXot7FLKS
— Sarah Jarvis (@jarahsarvis) June 13, 2016
Instead of giving into fear, Murray says he wants to see people “engage like never before.”
Egan Orion, executive director of Pridefest Seattle, says this is “normally a joyous time.” The shooting in Orlando, however, is a reminder that there is still a “lot of work to do and that lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, and queer people in this country still face everyday dangers.”
Seattle’s Pride Parade is June 26. It is the third largest pride parade in the country. Organizers are expecting more participants than ever, KIRO 7 reports.
Related: Seattle crowd attends vigil for victims killed at Orlando nightclub
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