Montreal/CMEDIA: Enhanced security measures are reportedly being enforced by the Organizers of Fierté Montreal launch of its 20th edition following an attack at Berlin Pride that left one dead and several injured over the weekend.
Set to launch its 20th edition on Friday, Fierté Montreal’s events run through Aug. 9.
“Following tragic events such as the recent attack in Berlin, and with our Festival taking place in just one week, we are exercising heightened vigilance and reviewing every aspect of our operations to maximize the safety of participants, attendees, and staff,” a spokesperson said Monday.
A suspect drove a van on Saturday into a crowd near Berlin’s Pride festival before stabbing other people with a machete in what officials described as a terrorist attack.
The suspect, identified as Abdul Ballout was shot and killed in a police operation Sunday in Berlin.
Fierté Montreal said the incident is a reminder to be vigilant and that public safety is a top priority.
Interim executive director Higino Monteiro reportedly said that organizers are in talks as they look to increase security measures ahead of the event in light of the tragedy.
Additional concrete barriers and other protective installations along cycling paths would be installed in Montreal’s Village neighbourhood, which is already pedestrian-only for the summer , said the organizers with Sainte-Catherine Street .
All cross streets and other points along the route of the parade which takes place on the last day on Aug. 9 would be blocked by the Police vehicles.
Roughly 300 security personnel will also be working for the parade.
10 percent its overall budget, Fierté Montreal says, is dedicated to security measures and organizers work closely with Montreal police, the Sûreté du Québec, and other public safety partners for the annual event.
