The Metro Nashville Police Department officials announced they would be increasing enforcement for the Nashville Pride Festival events at Public Square Park on June 24 and 25, in light of the recent attack in Orlando.
Chief Steve Anderson made the announcement Monday that the department would be developing a safety plan featuring a highly visible police presence for the festival.
“Sunday’s mass shooting in Orlando shocked all of us and has understandably caused concern among those planning to attend this year’s Nashville Pride Festival,” Chief Anderson said. “I have directed Lt. David Leavitt in Special Events to develop a staffing plan with extra-duty officers that clearly demonstrates this police department’s commitment to safety for all festival goers.
Without going into specifics, this department will have a quite visible presence in and around Public Square Park on the 24 and 25 as part of our mission to advance safety, fairness and equality for all.”
Special Events staffing would also be added in addition to personnel provided each year through a private security company contracted by the organizers of the Nashville Pride Festival.
MNPD representatives have also reached out to several owners/operators of local LGBT establishments to ensure that lines of communication would be open to immediately report any suspicious activity.
At Tribe nightclub, co-owner Todd Roman said he appreciated the support from city leaders. He said security is also a top priority at the club. The building is equipped with around 40 security cameras. Security guards are also in place inside and outside the building, and there is a no firearms policy. Roman said the policy will remain in effect both at Tribe, and next door at Play.
"With everything we have in place, the idea of someone getting in with an assault rifle is highly unlikely, but anyone with a rifle could attack at any place," said Roman.
Any owner/operator who had not yet heard from the police department was invited to contact the commander of their precinct.
