Politico - Kirk Asks FBI to Step Up Security Role for Chicago Pride Parade

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By Natasha Korecki

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk on Wednesday asked the FBI to devote security expertise and resources to an upcoming Pride Parade in Chicago, a city that's already stretched when it comes to fighting crime.

Kirk, a Republican in a tough re-election battle against U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth, sent a letter to FBI director James Comey asking that the FBI's Chicago field office have a strategy in place before the 47th annual parade on June 26. The letter comes in the aftermath of the mass shooting in a gay nightclub in Orlando on Sunday morning.

The FBI says it was already working closely with Chicago Police, the U.S. Secret Service and the Department of Homeland Security to come up with additional security measures for the parade, which last year drew an estimated one million people.

"The safety and security of the people of Northern Illinois is our top priority and we work hand-in-hand with our Federal, State and Local law enforcement partners to gather, share and act upon threat information as it comes to our attention," the office of the Chicago FBI said in a statement. "In that light, we urge the public to report any and all suspicious activity to the FBI or any of our partners."

Still, tensions are predictably high in the wake of the Orlando massacre. Kirk's staff said the senator reached out to the FBI after Brian C. Johnson, the chief executive officer of Equality Illinois, asked him to ensure additional layers of safety were in place. A news conference involving Chicago police, Chicago Office of Emergency Management & Communications, business groups, the pride parade organizer, Aldermen Tom Tunney (44th) and James Cappleman (46th) is scheduled for Thursday at the 19th District Police Station.

"There is no specific threat or intelligence against [any] of the Pride events that are scheduled for Chicago over the next several weekends," Chicago Police Department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi told POLITICO Illinois. "Out of an abundance of caution, police and emergency management officials will outline preparations at a press conference [Thursday]. Individuals can expect to see a heavy police presence in the Boystown, Lakeview and Lincoln Park communities as well as at special events and throughout major thoroughfares."

Activities leading up to the four-mile parade begin this weekend. While Chicago continues to battle high crime numbers, which are expected to escalate when summer arrives, city and federal law enforcement have a long history of working together during major events. That included the 2012 NATO summit, which saw widespread protests across the city.

Read the full letter:

Assistant Special Agent in Charge David W. Paun,

We were all tremendously shocked by the massacre in Orlando directed at the LGBT community. Given the importance of the LGBT community to my constituency in Chicago, Illinois, I want to make sure that you and your team in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Chicago field office offer the maximum security possible so that, in the wake of the Orlando massacre, we can have the safest Pride Parade ever.

This year marks the 47th anniversary of the Pride Parade, which, on June 26, will run along a four-mile route across Chicago's North Side neighborhoods. Last year, estimates topped one million spectators from all over the world. It is imperative that the celebrations can be conducted peacefully and safely.

I want you to ensure that the FBI is coordinating with both local law enforcement and the community. The key point of contact will be the chief executive officer of Equality Illinois, Brian C. Johnson, who asked that the LGBT community and supporters be offered the full protection of federal law enforcement. Mr. Johnson's leadership should be used as a resource to coordinate a strong message of safety to all attendees.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.

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