DEVELOPING NOW: Police step up patrols near LGBT events
Police departments across the country are increasing patrols near locations frequented by the LGBT community after 50 people were shot dead at a gay nightclub in Orlando.
ABC-7 called the El Paso Police Department. Sgt. Enrique Carillo, a public information officer, said he is unaware of any threats against the LGBT community in El Paso. He also said he is unaware if the police department plans to increase its presence near LGBT bars, clubs or events.
In Los Angeles, the mayor says a heavily armed person who was headed to a gay pride parade was arrested by Santa Monica police. Mayor Eric Garcetti says the arrest was unrelated to the Orlando nightclub shooting.
FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller told City News Service that the agency was assisting the Santa Monica Police Department with the arrest of an individual,” but would not supply any more details.
Tens of thousands have gathered in West Hollywood for the annual LA Pride.
Boston Pride organizers plan to hold a moment of silence at this weekend’s scheduled block parties to honor the Orlando victims and police there said there will be a heavier presence at those events.
Police in Washington, D.C., said people attending today’s Capital Pride Festival should expect extra police presence.
Officer Ernesto Rodriguez of Miami Beach Police Department says the agency is saddened by the massacre and out of an abundance of caution will step up patrols.
The Baltimore Police Department says it is reaching out to the city’s LBGT community to discuss concerns and safety after the Orlando massacre.
The suspected Orlando nightclub gunman had been licensed as a private security officer in Florida.
State records show suspected shooter Omar Mateen held the firearms license since at least 2011. It was set to expire in September 2017.
It wasn’t immediately clear where, if anywhere, Mateen had worked as a security officer. An armed guard license in Florida requires 28 hours of classroom training by a licensed instructor.
