Officials in Washington, D.C., have expressed unwavering confidence in their capabilities to manage large and complex events, especially concerning crowd control.
Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith emphasized, “We are really the experts in this space when it comes to crowd management.”
However, this expertise faces a significant challenge over the next eight days as the nation’s capital prepares for two substantial events happening on consecutive weekends.
From June 7 to 8, D.C. will host the culmination of the two-week World Pride celebration, featuring a massive parade on Saturday, followed by a rally and protest march on Sunday.
These gatherings will culminate in a large street party and concert spanning several blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue.
Once these festivities conclude, preparations for a military parade on June 14 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army will commence.
This military event is particularly distinctive, involving the movement of heavy military vehicles, including M1 Abrams battle tanks and Paladin self-propelled howitzers, through the city streets.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who aims to maintain harmony with President Donald Trump, expressed her concerns about the potential damage these heavy vehicles could inflict on the city’s streets.
Despite assurances from the military regarding covering repair costs and plans to place protective plates at key intersections, Bowser remains cautious.
“I think that there has been time and attention paid to how to move this heavy equipment in a way that doesn’t hurt (roads),” Bowser stated last week.
“However, I remain concerned about it. If they are rendered unusable, we have to make them usable and then go seek our money from the feds.”
As both weekends approach, police and security officials remain vigilant for potential counterprotests or disruptions.
There are particular fears surrounding World Pride participants, spurred by Trump’s rhetoric against transgender rights and his stated opposition to drag shows.
Earlier in the spring, rumors circulated that the Proud Boys, a far-right group, might attempt to disrupt the celebrations.
So far, these anxieties have not materialized into direct threats, although a local queer bar was vandalized last week.
In response to safety concerns, organizers will implement security measures such as fencing around the two-day street party.
Ryan Bos, executive director of the Capital Pride Alliance, highlighted the importance of these added safety measures.
“We wanted to provide some extra safety measures based on concerns from some people in the community,” he said.
Historically, the biannual World Pride event can attract as many as one million visitors to its host city.
Although early reports indicated a slight decline in attendance due to international participants potentially avoiding the event due to fears of harassment or protests against Trump’s policies, there has been a recent uptick in last-minute hotel bookings.
Elliott Ferguson, president of Destination D.C., noted, “We are witnessing a surge at the last minute of people coming in for the final World Pride weekend.”
The military parade on June 14 is expected to draw as many as 200,000 people, according to Army estimates.
A significant counterprotest, titled the No Kings rally, will occur on 16th Street, positioned within sight of the White House yet not close enough to disrupt the military event.
Lindsey Appiah, the deputy mayor for public safety, pointed out that planning for the Army’s 250th birthday celebration became significantly larger when Trump became involved.
“You have to be very flexible, very nimble. Things change and you have plans and then those plans change,” she stated.
The District of Columbia has had its share of challenges managing logistics effectively.
For instance, earlier this year, the city successfully coordinated events such as Trump’s electoral win certification, the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter, and Trump’s inauguration—all within two weeks amid severe winter weather.
However, the challenges facing D.C. are far from over once June 14 wraps up.
Following the military parade, the city will transition into hosting three matches for the FIFA Club World Cup from June 18 through June 26.
This busy schedule will lead right into planning for the annual July 4 fireworks display.
Clint Osborn, head of the city’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, commented on the summer’s packed planning timeline.
“It feels like Super Bowl after Super Bowl after Super Bowl,” he remarked, emphasizing the rigorous demands placed on city officials during this busy period.
image source from：https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-military-parade-world-pride-dc34236e4432ad74b5a5b33b0d9aa497
