Brighton & Hove Pride is heading into its biggest weekend of the year with a significantly heavier security presence this time. Sussex Police is deploying armed officers to the UK Pride event on August 1 and 2. The measures are being taken following a deadly attack at Berlin’s Pride event.
Brighton & Hove Pride security plans after Berlin LGBTQ+ event attack
Amid heightened safety concerns, Sussex Police confirmed armed officers will patrol the UK’s largest Pride festival. Additionally, neighbourhood police, plain-clothed officers, and other specialist teams will also be present.
The announcement came just days after a man drove a van into crowds at the Berlin Pride event on July 25, then attacked people with a machete. The stunt killed one person and injured at least 29 others.
German authorities identified the suspect as Abdul Ballout. Police shot and killed Ballout on July 26 after an almost 24-hour manhunt.
Sussex Police has also urged attendees to stay alert without letting fear take over the celebration.
BBC reported a spokesperson for Sussex Police said: “I want to reassure those attending, as well as residents, businesses and visitors across the city, that their safety remains our top priority.
“We will be working tirelessly this week and throughout the weekend, building on the extensive planning that has taken place over many months with event organisers, Brighton & Hove City Council and other partners, to keep everyone safe and ensure an effective policing operation is in place.”
Brighton & Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey took to social media to reassure LGBTQ+ groups and their allies looking to attend the event. “We are deeply saddened by the attacks at Berlin Pride and our thoughts are with all those affected…” she wrote on X.
“We want to reassure all those attending that we are working closely with Brighton and Hove Pride, Sussex Police and our other partners to keep everyone safe.”
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, who is openly gay, also commented regarding the same. He suggested the Berlin attack “showed why Pride was still necessary.”
UK’s biggest Pride festival will take place in Brighton and Hove. It attracts an estimated 500,000 people to the city on England’s south coast.
TELL US—DO YOU THINK INCREASED SECURITY WILL HELP PRIDE ATTENDEES FEEL SAFER THIS WEEKEND?
