Security Strong for Rhode Island Pride Festival This Weekend

RHODE ISLAND—The organizers of the upcoming Rhode Island Pride festivities on Saturday said there will be increased security during events in Providence, but beefed up security had already been planned even before a gunman armed with an AR-15 assault rifle walked into an Orlando nightclub and murdered 50 people.

“We had already made plans for better security this year given increased attendance numbers,” according to a message posted by Rhode Island Pride on their Facebook page. “there will be trained, private security and an increased police detail in addition to our volunteer safety team.”

Organizers are also meeting with the state police on Monday to discuss their role in protecting attendees of the rally and parade, which was expected to draw big numbers but could become a massive gathering of solidarity following the horror that unfolded in Florida on Sunday.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with our LGBT brothers and sisters in Orlando after last night's club shooting,” organizers said. “As we celebrate PRIDE this week, remember that our fight is not over.”

Meanwhile, all U.S. and Rhode Island flags should be flying at half-staff in accordance with a Presidential Proclamation and a directive by Governor Gina Raimondo to honor the 50 victims of the massacre.

"We woke up this morning to horrific news - a senseless, cowardly mass shooting in Orlando. It's an act of terror. It's an act of hatred. And it has no place in our communities. Like so many, I feel incredible sadness and outrage," Raimondo said. 

Raimondo, like many elected officials today, offered prayers for the victims and loved ones but she said “we must do more than pray.”

"It is time to take greater action to keep America safe," Raimondo said in a statement. "I also want our LGBT brothers and sisters in Rhode Island to know that our hearts are with you - we will redouble our efforts to keep you safe and free from fear, and commit to building a more peaceful, more tolerant society." 

Raimondo said there are no specific threats against Rhode Island at this time but she has been in touch with Rhode Island State Police Superintendent Col. Steven G. O’Donnell and “security efforts will be increased around Pride festivities,” Raimondo said.

Other lawmakers in Rhode Island offered similar messages on Sunday, including Sen. Jack Reed, who said that the shooter “was clearly a hate-filled individual” and “his bigotry has no place in our society”

Congressman Jim Langevin said the shooting is an attack on the very values for which Pride Month stands for.

“The victims were gathered in what should have been a safe space for them to be true to themselves and celebrate our shared belief that all people should be treated equally, and no one should be subjected to violence or discrimination,” Langevin said.

The most forceful statement came from Congressman David Cicilline, one of just four members of congress to be openly gay and one of the few who has tried to take on the National Rifle Association and the powerful gun lobby by introducing a series of bills that would curtail sales of some types of guns and prohibit people with certain criminal histories from being granted permits.

Cicilline said he was outraged that LGBT Americans were targeted and “don’t let anyone tell you that we have full equality in this country.”

“LGBT people are not political wedge issues – we are human beings and we are entitled to full equality under the law. I hope that, in the aftermath of this horrific shooting, our country will move towards greater love and acceptance of all Americans.”

Photo courtesy: Rhode Island Pride