SF police urge Pride attendees to remain vigilant; 'if you see something, say something'
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Thousands of people are heading to San Francisco this weekend to celebrate the first SF Pride parade and festival since 2019.
The San Francisco Police Department says it has a plan to keep everyone safe and is asking the public to help out.
WATCH SUNDAY: San Francisco Pride Parade and Celebration | Watch this Sunday on ABC7
SF Pride will be back on Market Street Sunday as one of the biggest Pride parades in the country returns after a three-year pandemic pause. Keeping the massive crowds safe is the goal of San Francisco Police Chief William Scott. He says every available police officer will be on duty.
"First we need the eyes and ears of vigilance to be on everybody's mind," said Scott.
The chief urges the public that if they see something, say something. Scott says his department is working with federal authorities after police in Idaho recently arrested 31 with ties to a white nationalist group that planned to riot at a local Pride event.
"There are no credible threats to our events in San Francisco," Scott said.
RELATED: Here's what you need to know about street closures, Clipper card ahead of SF Pride Parade
Scott says his department isn't sure how protests concerning the overturning of the Roe vs. Wade decision will impact Pride.
"In terms of any protests, First Amendment expressions that may come from Roe vs. Wade, we want to make sure we can keep those events safe," said Scott.
In 2019, ten people protesting the police locked arms and blocked the Pride Parade route, the group agreed to leave after an hour.
"If you're out with friends keep them close, don't leave anyone behind don't accept drinks from strangers," said SFPD Officer Kathryn Winters.
VIDEO: Our America: Who I'm Meant to Be 2022 | Full Episode
"There's no way to put on a parade of this size without working with the Police department," said 2022 Pride interim Executive Director Suzanne Ford.
Ford hopes everyone has a good time.
"I Think everyone should hydrate it will be warm and drink lots of fluids," said Ford.
Castro District businesses like The Cove Restuarant hope folks eat and spend money too.
"We love our city and let's face it, we haven't had a chance to show it off in a while, we're excited to see tourists back in town," said Cove employee Annie Van Buren.
RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:
- Here's what you need to know about street closures, Clipper card ahead of SF Pride Parade
- Pride Month 2022: What do LGBTQ and LGBTQIA+ mean?
- Pride Portraits: The largest LGBTQIA+ visibility campaign
- Local resources for LGBTQ+ issues
- 'Good Trouble' actress Sherry Cola embraces queerness as 2022 SF Pride Grand Marshal
- SF's famous pink triangle lights up in ceremony to celebrate Pride Month
- 'Our America: Who I'm Meant to Be' | Full episode
- The love story behind Third Culture Bakery's chosen family
- 'Love is love:' Thousands show up for LA Pride Parade's big return
- Stonewall visitor center will be dedicated to LGBTQ history
- Grand Marshal of NYC's Pride March is fierce advocate for transgender athletes
- New York City apparel company co-owners and partners celebrate Pride
- Biden signs executive order to combat anti-LGBTQ legislation
- 'Jeopardy!' champ Amy Schneider reflects on White House visit, why representation matters
- 1st non-binary SF Bay to Breakers winner won more than just the race
- College trustee could be among 1st LGBTQIA+ Muslims to win elected office in CA
- Nonbinary martial artist practices self-expression through Kung Fu, gender identity
- LGBTQ+ and gay bars declining in number, study shows
- Black, gay faith leaders find common ground in experiences of racism, homophobia
- Meet Fresno Fire's 1st female chief on journey as lesbian, mom, wife
- Gay New York City comedian Rich Kiamco shares struggles on stage
- White House 'laser-focused' on fighting back against the onslaught of anti-LGBTQ legislation
- School mental health resources essential in decreasing high risk of suicide among LGBTQ+ youth
- LGBTQ+ Youth Health Town Hall: Experts answer your questions
If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live
