D.C. boosts security for WorldPride and other big summer events
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Mayor Muriel Bowser and police chief Pamela Smith on a public safety walk in April. Photo: Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via Getty Images
D.C. is gearing up for another month of big events and high security, starting with WorldPride festivities.
Why it matters: Police are beefing up patrols for the special events in June, including a parade for WorldPride, the U.S. Army's June 14 parade, and FIFA Club World Cup matches.
State of play: There are no credible threats to WorldPride, which kicked off May 17 but heats up this weekend with Shakira's welcome concert at Nats Park, said D.C. police chief Pamela Smith at a press conference on Thursday.
- Organizers expect over a million visitors in D.C. for the celebration that runs through June 8. LGBTQ+ groups have published travel advisories for transgender and non-binary travelers to the U.S. due to Trump administration policies.
What they're saying: "Stay vigilant," Smith told the public as D.C. increases police presence around WorldPride events and draws law enforcement support from neighboring jurisdictions.
- She urged revelers to report anything that seems off. People can also text "WorldPrideDC" to 888-777 for emergency and event updates.
After early signs of lower-than-expected hotel bookings for WorldPride, interest has "surged" in recent days, according to Destination DC CEO Elliott Ferguson.
- WorldPride has a jam-packed schedule in early June, including a massive parade from Logan Circle to near the Capitol, capped off by a concert on Pennsylvania Avenue. Security is being upped with new fencing.
Meanwhile, free tickets are available for the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary parade on June 14. More security and road closure details are expected to be announced in the coming days for the evening parade on Constitution Avenue.
- The Secret Service is taking the lead, marking it a National Special Security Event, which puts it on par with Inauguration Day.
Later in the month, Audi Field will host three FIFA Club World Cup games — on June 18 (Al Ain FC vs. Juventus), June 22 (FC Salzburg vs. Al Hilal) and June 26 (Wydad AC vs. Al Ain FC).
Between the lines: Crime typically increases in the summer months, with longer days and schools closed.
- D.C. had a recent spate of seven homicides in five days. Homicides are down 3% year-over-year, while total violent crime is down 22% so far.
- "We realize we still have more work to do to continue to drive down crime in our city," Smith said, adding that high-visibility police patrols will run through the end of August.