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Police to boost presence for Grand Rapids Pride Festival

LGBTQ Flag photo
Ludovic Bertron | Wikimedia | CC BY 2.0
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wikimedia.org

Police in western Michigan plan a more visible presence for the upcoming Grand Rapids Pride Festival following last weekend's massacre at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

The Grand Rapids Press reports the city's police department will increase patrols and put a mobile command center near Saturday's festival street fair, which takes place on and around downtown's Calder Plaza.

A block party is planned on Sunday.

Police department spokesman Terry Dixon says people will see "a considerable police presence compared to last year" as a precaution.

Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss has written a letter of condolence to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer that says the people of Grand Rapids "express our sincere sympathy and offer prayers of support during this difficult time."

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