New York police are stepping up surveillance inside LGBTQ communities following a mass shooting at a homosexual nightclub in Colorado on Saturday evening.
At a briefing on Sunday, Gov. Kathy Hochul stated state police and the NYPD had been monitoring social media websites for potential threats, in addition to conducting outreach to LGBTQ organizations. Officers on Lengthy Island stated they deliberate to extend patrols as properly.
“New York is the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ rights motion, and we are going to proceed to face with the neighborhood so that each New Yorker can reside with the dignity and equality they deserve,” Hochul stated in an announcement. “My administration will continue our efforts to prevent hate crimes and speak out against hatred and bigotry.”
The shooting at Club Q left five people dead and 25 others injured, police said. The alleged attacker, a 22-year-old with a long rifle, was subdued by at least two nightclub patrons, according to reports.
A spokesperson for Hochul said the state’s counterterrorism unit was in touch with several entities, but could not elaborate further on the enhanced surveillance effort. The measures are a precaution, and there is no known threat in New York at this time.
The shooting came hours before the LGBTQ community prepared to observe Trans Day of Remembrance on Sunday, an annual event held in honor of those killed by anti-transgender violence. The club that the shooter targeted was set to hold a brunch marking the observance.
Both city and state landmarks will be lit in blue, pink, and white in recognition of Trans Day of Awareness on Sunday. Hochul also ordered the state’s flags to be flown at half-mast.
LGBTQ groups will also rally outside the Stonewall Memorial on Sunday afternoon to pay tribute to those killed in Colorado while also marking Trans Day of Remembrance.
“Hateful and dehumanizing rhetoric contributes to violence against marginalized communities who only want to exist in peace,” NYC Pleasure stated in an announcement. “As yet another tragedy seeks to threaten our safe spaces, we stand with our trans family and the community in Colorado Springs against hate, violence, and those who wish to take away our right to be who we are.”