Chicago Police officers to have days off canceled with Pride Parade coming
CHICAGO (CBS) -- It's a big weekend in the Windy City - and Chicago Police are prepared for thousands to join in celebrations across the city, especially the 2023 Chicago Pride Parade in the Northalsted district.
CBS 2's Tara Molina heard directly Friday from Interim Police Supt. Fred Waller. He said all officers will have one day off canceled in order to cover the city and up patrols for the big weekend.
"Chicago is a welcoming and accepting city," said Supt. Waller.
And preparations are under way for a big weekend – with Supt. Waller meeting with business owners and community members in the Northalsted area Friday afternoon to discuss public safety ahead of the 2023 Chicago Pride Parade.
"We're going to have additional officers deployed to staff the parade route," Waller said.
And for Chicago Police, that means all hands on deck. The cancellation of one day off for all officers is intended to ensure patrols are sufficient for the parade – while the rest of the city is still covered.
"That will give us a good additional probably over 200 officers," Waller said. "So we'll have the manpower for this event and other events that we'll have."
The parade comes at a time when many feel LGBTQ+ rights are under attack all around the country – from a law passed last year in Florida dubbed the "Don't Say Gay" bill, to laws that withhold gender-affirming care to transgender youth, or take aim at drag shows.
"At Sidetrack, we say gay. Trans rights matter, and drag is not a crime," said Brad Balof, general manager of Sidetrack, The Video Bar, at 3349 N. Halsted St., "and that what we'll be celebrating this weekend."
Amid those concerns about LGBTQ+ rights and safety, Waller said the Police Department is constantly monitoring threats, especially ahead of the parade.
"We constantly assess and reassess for those type of threats -- and not only for this community, the LGBTQ+ community, but for all communities," Waller said.
Police are also addressing the night after the parade, which historically sometimes has gotten out of hand.
"We're going to have our most experienced officers working throughout the night after the parade," Waller said.
Last year, in the overnight hours long after the parade had ended, two separate violent incidents near the area where the parade was held sent six people to the hospital.
That Sunday night a year ago, police said a 24-year-old woman pulled a knife and stabbed three people after a quarrel at Belmont and Sheffield avenues.
A couple hours later at the busy intersection of Halsted and Clark streets and Barry Avenue, three people were shot in front of the Advocate Medical Group Outpatient Center.
A Chicago Police officer was also punched in the 3300 block of North Clark Street that night last year.
"We're working very closely with the Police Department, OEMC, and other city departments to make sure we have a well-run parade," said Ald. Bennett Lawson (44th), who was elected this year to succeed 20-year veteran Ald. Tom Tunney.
Ald. Lawson also released this statement:
"Our city's historic Pride Parade is an opportunity for Chicagoans to come together and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and the progress made in the fight for equality. This year, as LGBTQ+ rights are under attack in state legislatures across the country, it's more important than ever to show that our city is a place where everyone can be their authentic selves.
"As celebrations continue this weekend, nothing is more important than keeping parade participants and attendees safe. In recent weeks, I've been in constant communication with the Chicago Police Department to discuss additional support needed and I am confident that together, we will have a safe and successful weekend."
OEMC: Know before you go
The Office of Emergency Management and Communications also emphasized it will monitor weekend events and will activate its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate public safety resources. Traffic control aides will also be on hand at select events this weekend.
OEMC had this specific advice:
Report Suspicious Activity: If You See Something, Say Something. The city reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity. If you notice something suspicious, notify onsite security or call 9-1-1. If You See Something, Say Something™ is a national anti-terrorism public awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities. Although the City has not received actionable intelligence, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released an advisory on May 24, 2023 - National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin. DHS emphases the continued heightened threat environment across the United States. It notes that "lone offenders and small groups motivated by a range of ideological beliefs and personal grievances continue to pose a persistent threat to the United States."
OEMC also warned that excessive heat is expected this weekend, with temperatures forecast in the upper 80s and lower 90s.
"When the temperatures climb to extreme levels, it's important to check on relatives, neighbors, seniors, and our vulnerable population," OEMC said in a news release. "If you are unable to make contact, you can request a wellbeing check by downloading the CHI311 app, visiting 311.chicago.gov, or calling 3-1-1. If there is a medical emergency due to a heat related illness, call 9-1-1. Remember to stay hydrated and seek shade if you are attending one of the many weekend events."
CBS 2 Meteorologist Mary Kay Kleist also warns some rain and possible thunderstorms are on tap for the weekend. The strongest front will push through late Saturday night into early Sunday morning, but scattered showers will persist throughout the day. There is a chance of a scattered shower or a rumble of thunder during the day on Pride Sunday.
The Pride Parade steps off at noon Sunday at Broadway and Montrose Avenue in Uptown. It will proceed south and southeast on Broadway to Halsted and Grace streets, south on Halsted Street to Belmont Avenue, east on Belmont Avenue back to Broadway, south on Broadway again to Diversey Parkway, and east on Diversey Parkway to Cannon Drive.
Street closures will begin as early as 8 a.m. for participant staging areas. Parade route closures will start as early as 9:30 a.m., or as the crowd dictates for safety issues. Staging areas include Montrose Avenue, Irving Park Road, and Wellington Avenue at Broadway, and Addison Street, Grace Street, and Roscoe Street at Halsted Street.
All streets will be back open by 8 p.m., or when it is deemed safe.
Pedestrian crossings will be available on the parade route at the following locations:
- Montrose Avenue at Broadway
- Irving Park Road at Broadway
- Wellington Avenue at Broadway
- Barry Avenue at Broadway
- Addison Street at Halsted Street
- Grace Street at Halsted Street
- Aldine Avenue at Halsted Street
- Cornelia Avenue at Halsted Street
The OEMC advises taking public transportation the parade. Parking restrictions for the parade will be strictly enforced beginning at 5 a.m. Sunday.
The office also advises temporary pole markers will be available to mark the parade route throughout the city – for anyone who gets lost, gets injured, or witnesses suspicious or criminal activity. Anyone in need of help should look up for the black signs with white lettering on light poles, and give the letter-and-number combination on the pole when talking to a 911 dispatcher. The pole codes can also be used to let friends and family know where you are if you are separated at the event.
In the event that it gets too hot outside, cooling buses will also be available at:
- Addison Street west of Halsted Street
- Roscoe Street east of Halsted Street
- Belmont Avenue east of Broadway
- Wilton Avenue north of Belmont Avenue
- Buena Avenue west of Broadway
- Belmont Avenue westbound between Halsted and Clark streets (two buses).
The OEMC also advised that the following events are also going on this weekend:
Morgan Wallen at Wrigley Field: The concert is happening Friday evening. There was also a concert Thursday night.
Chicago White Sox vs Boston Red Sox Guaranteed Rate Field: The game is on at 7:10 p.m. Friday and 1:10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Pride in the Park at Butler Field: The festival in Grant Park began Friday afternoon and runs until 10 p.m., and continues Saturday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. The main entrance is on Jackson Drive, which is closed between Columbus Drive and DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Jackson Drive will remain closed through July 10 for the NASCAR Street Race in Grant Park.
Logan Square Arts Festival: Live music and art can be seen at the Logan Square monument until 10 p.m. Friday, and from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Re:SET Chicago Concert Series: This live music event runs from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in Riis Park, 6100 W. Fullerton Ave.
Taste of Chicago in Humboldt Park: On Saturday, the Taste of Chicago Neighborhoods is at the Humboldt Park Boathouse, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Miche Fest: The festival, featuring live Latino music and micheladas, is being held from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Harrison Park, 1854 S. Wood St.
Navy Pier Pride at Navy Pier: Navy Pier is holding a full day event of performances and events for Pride on Saturday – with fireworks are at 10 p.m.
