New York City officials stress Pride safety in wake of mysterious death of Julio Ramirez
NEW YORK -- Questions still remain surrounding the death of a man who got into a taxi outside a gay bar in Hell's Kitchen more than a month ago.
With Pride Month underway, New York City officials are focused on making sure this year's celebrations are safe for everyone.
As CBS2's Natalie Duddridge reported, the city hosts the largest Pride celebration in the world.
With huge crowds expected, officials say providing a safe experience is their top priority. They held a news conference Wednesday, discussing safety in light of the recent mysterious death of 25-year-old Julio Ramirez.
On April 20, Ramirez went out with friends in Hell's Kitchen and ended the night at The Ritz, a popular gay bar. His family says surveillance video showed him get into a cab with three unknown men. He was later found unresponsive.
Police initially said his death was not suspicious, but loved ones disagree. They say they found nearly $20,000 worth of bank transactions made after his death.
"Somebody drugged him to take his phone, to rob him. That is what happened, there's not a doubt in my mind that is what happened," Ramirez's brother, Carlos, said.
"We want justice for Julio Ramirez, and we want to make sure that everyone knows how to stay safe during Pride," City Councilman Erik Bottcher added. "How to go out, have fun, but use common sense."
Officials provided some safety tips, encouraging participants to remember Pride is about community. Look out for each other, keep your friends close, and don't accept drinks from people you don't know. Always stay with a group when leaving bars and clubs and be cautious about leaving with a stranger.
"Of course, you have to think about safety. You may never know what's going on out there," one person said.
"You have to be aware. You have to be cautious," Pride participant Vincent Ortega added.
"All the managers look out for everybody. If somebody is a little too inebriated, we ask if they're OK. Can we get you a free empanada? Or we walk them to their cab," said a woman named Brittany, the manager of Empanada Mama.
Officials also advise to continue testing for COVID, and to beware of fentanyl in drugs. They suggest using test strips or carrying Narcan.
Councilman Chi Ossé recently put forward a bill to make it mandatory for bars to carry Narcan.
"We have seen opioid overdoses skyrocket during the pandemic," Ossé said.
Additionally, officials say intervene and call police if you witness bias harassment.
There will be a vigil for Ramirez at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in front of the Ritz Bar on 46th Street.
Anyone with any information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). You can also submit a tip via their website or via DM on Twitter, @NYPDTips. All calls are kept confidential.