Philadelphia Gay Pride events remembering Orlando tragedy
PHILADELPHIA (WTXF/AP) - This is Gay Pride weekend in Philadelphia and the festivities are going on despite the mass shooting at the Pulse Orlando nightclub.
Click here for a photo gallery of Sunday's event.
FOX 29's Brad Sattin spoke to folks at festival at Penn's Landing. Some told him they were having second thoughts about going, in light of the shooting. But they did show up and there may have been a record turnout at the festival, beating last year's attendance of 30,000. Click here to watch his report.
FOX 29's Sabina Kuriacose was out on 13th Street where security was heightened for revelers after the festival. Woody's Bar was patting people down, but police said there have been no threats in Philadelphia. Later, there will be increased security on SEPTA as folks head home. Officials say that's standard operating procedure whenever there's a big event in town. Click here to watch her report.
The Philadelphia Police Department released this statement, Sunday evening: "The Philadelphia Police Department hasn't received any information regarding any direct threat to this city; however, as a result of the recent incident in Orlando we have increased our awareness and presence throughout the city. Officers have been instructed to be vigilant and to patrol any area that could be of concern. The department will continue to monitor the events of last night in Orlando and work with our federal partners to ensure the safety of our citizens here in Philadelphia. Our thoughts and prayers are with the many victims and families impacted by this tragedy in Orlando. We encourage citizens here in Philadelphia to be vigilant and as always, if you see something say something by calling 911 and inform us of anything suspicious."
Philadelphia will remember the victims at a vigil, planned for Philadelphia City Hall, Monday at 6:30pm.
The parade went from 13th Street, east to the festival at the Penn's Landing, which went on until 6pm.
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Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf ordered U.S. and state flags at the Capitol complex, commonwealth facilities and public buildings in the state lowered to half-staff in honor of the victims.
The governor said he and first lady Frances Wolf were sending their thoughts and prayers to the victims, their families and the Orlando community for what he called "the tragic and senseless terror attack and hate crime."
The shooting brought Pittsburgh's largest gay pride celebration to a brief halt. Hundreds taking part in Sunday's noontime PrideFest parade in downtown Pittsburgh paused for 50 seconds -- one second for every victim -- in honor of the victims.
New Jersey officials say they're not planning any extra security measures in the state following the mass shooting, but they're reminding residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
State police say New Jersey homeland security officials have not detected any credible threats in the wake of Sunday's shooting in Orlando. But they say authorities continue to closely monitor the situation.
Law enforcement authorities in the state's major cities and at the Jersey Shore -- home to many gay clubs -- said they had no immediate plans to beef up security or impose new policies.
Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput said, "The recent violent acts committed in Orlando are horrific and they fill all of us with an unspeakable sadness. Innocent and precious lives were lost in a senseless and evil way. The family and friends of those who perished now shoulder a heavy burden of grief and suffering.
"As Christians, our duty is to pray for those whose lives were ended by the inexcusable cruelty of others and to ask God to pour his comforting grace upon all those who are in mourning."