Chicago Police Stepping Up Security At Upcoming Gay Pride Events
CHICAGO (CBS) - The massacre at a gay nightclub in Florida has prompted Chicago Police to beef up security at this weekend's gay pride festival and next weekend's gay pride parade.
"There is no threat against LGBT community in Chicago, but more resources will be deployed "-Supt. Johnson pic.twitter.com/y7HB1fwbnm
— Sandra Torres (@SandraTorresNBC) June 16, 2016
Supt. Eddie Johnson said Thursday that there's no information about any credible threat to the parade but that but that the additional uniformed and plainclothes officers will be dispatched out of "an abundance of caution."
Businesses will also be hiring more private security.
The Chicago parade has drawn nearly 1 million people and organizers say they expect crowds this year will be as big or larger.
Many in the LGBT community have said they want to demonstrate their solidarity with the victims of the massacre at Pulse nightclub in Orlando.
Ald. Tom Tunney is urging participants to be respectful of the community, with "less displays of immaturity."