OKC Pride Increasing Security After Orlando Shooting

In light of the deadly mass shooting at a nightclub in Orlando, extra safety measures are being added here at home.

OKC Pride coordinators said they want to ensure all who attend next weekend's festivities feel safe.

News of Orlando's deadly nightclub shooting rocked the nation and filled many Americans with fear. A shooting some are calling a heinous attack on the LGBTQ community.

“This is really what spawned pride celebrations everywhere, is standing up and standing again oppression and violence,” said Michael Clark, president of OKC Pride, Inc.

Sunday morning's shooting comes days before the 2016 OKC Pride, a weekend long party filled with concerts, a festival and parade.

As the country watched the horror unfold, concerns and worries began to arise.

“We're not backing down. We're not closing up shop. We're not running and hiding because on hateful individual did something atrocious,” said Clark.

Clark is coordinating added security with help from the FBI, the Oklahoma City police and the Oklahoma County sheriff's office.

This year, entrances to the festival will be constricted and large bags will not be allowed.

“We just want to do everything we can to make it a very safe and secure environment where everyone can celebrate who they are without having to worry about any kind of persecution, violence, bullying or anything else,” said Clark.

It will be a weekend of celebration, but also a time to honor and remember the 49 lives lost in Orlando. 

OKC Pride festivities kick off Friday, June 24.