SPD Chief Kathleen O’Toole: No specific threat to Seattle but expect more police
Jun 12, 2016, 12:55 PM | Updated: 1:08 pm
Following the attack that killed at least 50 people at a nightclub in Orlando, Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole issued the following statement:
The Seattle Police Department offers its sincere condolences to all affected by today’s tragic mass shooting in Orlando.
I have been in communication with senior officials from the FBI and DHS, as well as our state and local law enforcement partners. While there is no information indicating any specific threat to Seattle, residents can expect to see increased police in the community.
As always, we ask that all in our community remain vigilant and contact police if you see something suspicious.
Besides the massacre in Orlando, The Los Angeles Times reports that a man in Santa Monica with weapons and explosives was arrested on his way to the Los Angeles gay pride parade Sunday. The Seattle Pride Parade is scheduled for June 26.
Egan Orion, executive director of Pridefest Seattle issued the following statement:
Today, we woke up to news of the massacre at Pulse nightclub in Orlando. 50 people were killed and another 50+ were injured in the attack on the gay club in what is the worst mass shooting in U.S. history. the shooter’s father suggests that this was an attack fueled by hate of LGBTQ people.
We will find out more in the days to come, but right now we encourage the community and our allies to focus on the victims, their friends, and their families. If you are in Orlando or have friends or family there, please encourage them to give blood, which is needed right now to save the victims of last night’s mass shooting.
Pride is normally a joyous time, but this event is a reminder that we still have a lot of work to do and that lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, and queer people in this country still face everyday dangers. An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us, and we at PrideFest will use the rest of this season of Pride to renew our fight against forces of hate that seek to divide us and marginalize our community.
In the days to come, the victims of this attack will need our help, our donations, and our solidarity. Please give all you can to support them in their hour of need.
A vigil is planned at Cal Anderson Park at 8 PM tonight. Please join the community by coming together in response to this tragedy.
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