More Seattle Police security ‘for Pride events and other large gatherings’ after Orlando massacre

After this morning’s Orlando massacre, Mayor Ed Murray has sent a statement including a note that “Seattle Police Department has increased security for Pride events and other large gatherings”:

Mayor Edward Murray made the following statement today regarding the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando early Sunday morning:

“Americans woke up this morning with the all-too-familiar feeling of incomprehension at another act of mass violence, and LGBTQ Americans awoke with the sickening, all-too-familiar feeling of fear that our community has once again been attacked.

“Words cannot adequately encompass the feelings of grief I am feeling for the loss of so many of our LGBTQ and allied brothers and sisters in Orlando during the largest single act of violence against LGBTQ people in United States history. For too long, our community has been the target of violence throughout the world. It will never make sense to me that love is met with such hate.

“On behalf of the people of the City of Seattle, my heart and my thoughts go out to those whose lives were forever changed by the events last night. Today our community draws closer to one another for comfort, support and healing, and to honor those who were tragically lost.”

Murray will speak to the Seattle LGBTQ community at a candlelight vigil at 8:00 pm at Cal Anderson Park this evening.

Murray said that all SPD officers have received substantial active shooter training, and the Seattle Police Department has increased security for Pride events and other large gatherings.

He has ordered the flags at City Hall to be lowered to half-staff.

6 Replies to "More Seattle Police security 'for Pride events and other large gatherings' after Orlando massacre"

  • Double Dub Resident June 12, 2016 (10:56 am)

    The news said a man was just arrested who was trying to get to the LA gay pride parade. Apparently, he had weapons and bombs.

    I can’t even comprehend this level of hate. 

  • Samuella Samaniego June 12, 2016 (12:03 pm)

    FYI:

    This afternoon there will be a banner placed over the Statue of Liberty at approximately 3:30 p.m on Alki. Feel free to be there, maybe help hold the ladder or just meet others who care as much as you. The banner will read ” From Our Coast to Yours – Orlando, We Send Our Love “

    Share this message as much as you like. I have not sent out very many given that I just want to put up the banner soon. Thank you.

    Samuella Samaniego

    • WSB June 12, 2016 (12:12 pm)

      Thanks – someone (maybe you?) texted us. We will be there.

      • Samuella Samaniego June 12, 2016 (12:17 pm)

        Yes, I sent a text to a few people first thing this a.m. Later, my spouse forwarded that text message from her phone to you. Thanks.

  • Shebarue June 12, 2016 (12:45 pm)

    “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”

    – Fred Rogers


    My heart is broken, but what is making me weep is seeing the truth of this yet again. One man filled with hatred was responded to with love and compassion by thousands and thousands of people. Love prevails, even in the face of tremendous destruction and violence. Bless everyone who instinctively and unhesitatingly steps towards those who hurt and suffer.

  • Seattlite June 12, 2016 (2:44 pm)

    Seattle is doing the right thing by adding more SPD security to events in the city.  Islamic terrorism is not going away.  Intolerance by Islamic terrorists is not going away unless leaders decide to take a stand.  Remember the good work of a custom’s agent that prevented terrorist attacks:  “Ressam, who had trained at al-Qaeda’s training camps in Afghanistan, was arrested in December 1999 when a customs agent noticed that he appeared suspicious as he drove off a ferry from Canada onto Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. A resulting search turned up a trunk full of explosives.”

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