THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

City, police and event officials announced the measures at a June 16 press conference at Town Hall 19th Police District headquarters at Addison and Halsted. Chicago is preparing for two large-scale celebrations, Pride Fest this weekend and the Pride Parade June 26, just as the nation reels from the horrific shootings in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

Both Rich Guidice, managing deputy director of operations for the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communication ( OEMC ) and Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson emphasized that there had been to date no credible threats against either celebration.

"We all no that there is a lot of focus on these events, given the horrific events that occurred in Orlando earlier this week," Johnson said. "I want to take this opportunity to repeat what we know and what we've been saying: That there is no intelligence of a threat against the LGBTQ community or any event in the city of Chicago. Nevertheless, visitors can expect to see an increased presence of uniformed Chicago police officers at these events, patrolling the 19th District and surrounding neighborhoods and at CTA transportation hubs."

CPD will also have officers on bike patrols and canine units at the events, Johnson added. Media reports on June 15 stated that the number of sworn officers in the Town Hall police district had increased to 378.

The 2016 Pride Fest takes place on Halsted Street June 18-19.

Northalsted Business Alliance Executive Director Christopher Barrett Politan said, "Operating a large-scale festival takes an overarching commitment to public safety. Our extensive planning with the 19th District, OEMC, and full complement of security underscores our efforts of making safety a priority for all our festivalgoers and the neighborhood at large."

Politan added that express-entry would be available for festivalgoers without bags, so, "Whenever possible, we encourage people to leave your bags at home."

Among the additional security measures officials mentioned for the parade—some of which had been previously announced—were reducing the number of entries from 215 to 160; increasing the number of barricades along the parade route; additional CTA rail and bus service; and clearer routes for emergency responders. Police officials would not state a specific number of officers assigned to the parade, but the number of private security personnel will be increased from 90 in 2015 to 160 this year. The Pride Parade kicks off at noon June 26 from Montrose and Broadway.

Ald. Tom Tunney noted that rules implemented in 2015 about drinking in the public way had largely netted positive results, and urged residents and visitors to behave with extra respect for the occasion this year.

"Some people have said 'a moment of silence' for the Orlando tragedy," he said. "I'm asking for a week, [and] a day, of respect for each other as individuals, gay and straight; respect for law enforcement; and respect for the neighborhood that has been so tolerant for the 40-some years of hosting this parade. Many of you know that this parade was potentially moving out as a neighborhood parade. That decision has been made—it will continue—but, trust me, it is not a permanent decision on behalf of CPD, Homeland Security, Mayor's Office and such. … My message is sobriety, less alcohol, less displays of immaturity [and] get home safely and at a reasonable hour."

Guidice urged that anyone seeing suspicious behavior or incidents during the celebration to call 911. "Some unusual behavior or observations may be innocent," he said. "However, it's up to law enforcement to determine whether a situation warrants investigation."

Chicago Commission on Human Relations Chairman Mona Noriega said that the parade would this year would have extra meaning as it will be in tribute to the Orlando shooting victims.

"We will tell the world that we will not be intimidated by an attack on our values of freedom and inclusion and that, in the face of hate, we stand united," she added. "As we heal in the wake of the tragedy in Orlando, we will come together again, this time stronger."

Parade organizer Richard Pfeiffer said, "In our communities, we were so devastated by the loss of 49 of our brothers and sisters … . [But] We're not going to go back in the closet. We're going to be out there in love and peace."