Pride Toronto to issue weapon checks due to increased security risks
Posted June 22, 2022 10:24 am.
Last Updated June 23, 2022 6:23 am.
Pride Toronto is taking extra steps to keep festival-goers safe as celebrations kick into high gear, announcing that attendees will be checked for weapons with security wands before entering specific spaces, like festival stages.
The pride festival’s executive director, Sherwin Modeste, says the latest measures are in response to an increase in attacks on people and groups doing 2SLGBTQ+ advocacy work during Pride Month.
“Pride Toronto is prioritizing our festival guests’ safety,” said Modeste. “… Please be advised that this may result in a slower check in-process.”
Modeste says he hopes people understand the decision to expand security measures as the festival and parade get underway in a few days.
“We are only introducing this to ensure our stage areas are safe for all individuals,” he added.
Toronto police were not invited to march in this year’s parade. In 2019, members of Pride Toronto voted against allowing uniformed police officers to participate in the annual march, a decision Modeste says has not changed.
Toronto police said officers will continue to monitor security issues in Toronto over the weekend and make adjustments to their plans to mitigate any potential risks to public safety.
The annual festival will run from June 24 to June 26. The 2022 Pride Parade kicks off at 2 p.m. on June 26.
If there are any questions or concerns, Modeste calls residents and attendees to email Pride Toronto.
RELATED: 2SLGBTQ+ advocates call out ‘rainbow washing’ by corporate allies
The ramped-up security efforts come after a violent Father’s Day in Toronto, which saw four separate shootings in a six-hour span that left a man dead and seven other people injured.
A 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy were among the victims rushed to hospital with serious injuries after being shot in the city’s west end.
Police are also investigating two more shootings on Sunday that happened shortly after.
Twenty-four-year-old Javon Williams of Toronto was identified as a homicide victim after being shot in the area of Caledonia Road and Lawrence Avenue West.
With files from The Canadian Press
