Increased security expected for San Francisco Pride Parade

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ByAmy Hollyfield KGO logo
Monday, June 13, 2016
San Francisco police increase patrols in The Castro
San Francisco police increase patrols in The CastroSan Francisco police are increasing patrols in The Castro after the mass shooting in Orlando.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The San Francisco Pride Parade will go on this year, and after what happened in Orlando, it might even be bigger than ever.

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"We have been doing the Pride Parade and Festival for 50 years. It's the biggest, it's the best in the world and we're going to celebrate extra this year to show our strength and our love as a community," said San Francisco Supervisor Scott Wiener.

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But phone calls were made between police and Pride organizers right after news spread of the attack in Orlando. They are meeting this morning to talk security.

"We can't obviously discuss the specifics of our security protocols, but we can ensure the guests and the residents of San Francisco that as we roll into Pride Week that we are taking every effort to ensure we have a safe and fun event," said San Francisco Police Sgt. Davin Cole.

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Angel Mendez, standing outside the Orlando Regional Medical Center, holds up a cell phone photo trying to get information about his brother Jean C. Mendez.
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Wiener has called another meeting for later this week between bar owners and police.

"So police can provide information and so that we can make sure our nightlife during Pride season is going to be as safe as possible," said Wiener.

"I think our leaders are going to do a good job of beefing up security," said Castro resident Jake Merves.

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Mourners gather at memorial in the Castro District in San Francisco, Monday, June 13, 2016.
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Merves is hoping all this planning will pay off, but he knows he will need to do his part too.

"I'll still be coming to pride I'll still be having fun just be more aware I think," said Merves.

Police are advising any who notices anything suspicious to report it. San Francisco police will have FBI agents to help them the Pride Festival security as well.

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Click here for full coverage on the deadly mass shooting in Orlando.

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