OLYMPIA, Wash. — The first local pride event since the Orlando massacre will be held this weekend.
Extra security is expected to be in place for the thousands of people celebrating pride at the state capitol.
About 15,000 people attended last year, but there is no doubt that this year will be different with safety on everyone’s minds.
Festivities for the pride weekend begin Friday night and Olympia police say they are adding more staffing to the events.
The bottom line is that police want people to be aware.
“People’s sense of awareness is up, and we do have additional calls, we have folks that see things that they normally wouldn't notice, that seem suspicious,” said acting Olympia police Chief Aaron Jelcick.
There is no doubt that the massacre in Orlando will change the tone of this weekend's events, including the parade, but organizers said it’s not clear whether more or less people will come out after the shooting.
Capital City Pride says they plan a moment of silence this weekend as well as a call to action.
Cox Media Group
