PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — State police and Providence police have met with the owners of several gay bars and with organizers of the upcoming Rhode Island Pride Festival following the attack at a gay nightclub in Orlando that left 49 people dead.
State Police Col. Steven O’Donnell says the gay community is nervous, and during Monday’s meeting he expressed that “law enforcement stands with them.”
He says police will provide additional security for events this week, including more officers, dogs and other measures.
Saturday’s festival is expected to bring about 40,000 people to Providence.
A candlelight vigil was planned Monday night outside the Dark Lady LGBTQ nightclub and neighboring Alleycat bar, in downtown Providence, followed by a march to the steps of the Statehouse. Other vigils and memorials were scheduled around the state Monday and Tuesday.
WPRO’s Gene Valicenti was joined by Rhode Island State Police Col. Steven O’Donnell to talk about the local reaction to the events in Orlando.
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