Latest news with #DCPride
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
DC police recinds request to close Dupont Circle park during WorldPride after pushback from DC community
EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to clarify information from the Metropolitan Police Department and the status of the park. WASHINGTON () — Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) leadership reversed its this weekend, just hours after authorities announced it would be closed during WorldPride. On Monday night, NPS said the park would temporarily be closed due to 'a history and pattern of destructive and disorderly behavior from unpermitted activities happening in the park during past DC Pride weekends, including vandalism in 2023 that resulted in approximately $175,000 in damage to the historic Dupont Circle fountain,' according to a spokesperson. It was a joint with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and U.S. Park Police (USPP), NPS noted. RELATED COVERAGE: Dupont Circle park to be closed this weekend during WorldPride The announcement caused immediate pushback from local leaders and D.C. residents, many of whom believe the park is a central park of the local LGBTQ+ community. Within hours, there were whispers that the park would remain open. In a social media Tuesday morning, D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen wrote, 'This would be the wrong move. The park is an important part of DC's Pride celebrations, gatherings, and history. We're hearing this decision may be reversed by MPD, with some accommodations to protect the fountain, and Dupont Circle park will remain open this weekend. 🌈 ⛲️ Man seen tearing down Dupont Circle Pride decorations; DC police investigating Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker said he spoke with MPD Chief Pamela Smith, who said the decision to close the park would be rescinded. 'The Park is central to the lgbtq community, and neighbors will be able to enjoy it this year for World Pride,' he on social media. On Tuesday afternoon, MPD confirmed it rescinded its request to close the park, noting how important the park is to the Pride celebration. The final decision still lies with the U.S. Park Police. In a statement shared with DC News Now, a spokesperson said: Chief Pamela A. Smith has heard from community members and understands how significant Dupont Circle Park is to the Pride celebration. The following letter was sent to the U.S. Park Police, formally rescinding MPD's request to close Dupont Circle Park this weekend. MPD stands ready to support the National Park Service and the U.S. Park Police during this weekend's events. The Metropolitan Police Department 'Wicked' star Cynthia Erivo performing at WorldPride music festival in DC In a letter, the department explained that there have been significant challenges in Dupont Circle Park after formal Pride events concluded, leading to the initial decision to close the park this upcoming weekend. For example, Chief Smith said, in 2019, an individual was arrested after gunshots were heard in the park, causing people to flee, thinking there may have been an active shooter. In 2024, a large group of juveniles entered the park and 'engaged in unpermitted and illegal activities,' she added. This included drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana and fighting. Some of them also ran into local businesses and stole items. To prevent the recurrence of prior year's incidents, particularly with the demands of WorldPride 2025, MPD requested the closure of Dupont Circle Park and the installation of anti-scale fencing around its perimeter this upcoming weekend. However, after hearing from community leaders and residents, I am formally withdrawing MPD's request to close Dupont Circle Park and the installation of anti-scale fencing around its perimeter from Thursday, June 5, 2025, through Monday, June 9, 2025. MPD Chief Pamela A Smith in a letter shared with DC News Now NPS officials have not confirmed whether the park will remain open. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Washington Post
3 days ago
- General
- Washington Post
‘Pride isn't just a party. It's a protest.'
This year marks the 50th anniversary of some of the earliest official D.C. Pride events. D.C. is also hosting WorldPride, one of the largest international celebrations of LGBTQ+ communities in the world. But some LGBTQ+ people say it doesn't feel like a time for celebration. Amid mounting political and cultural attacks, a rise in hate crimes and slashing of health care, some fear the rollback of hard-won rights. As D.C. decks itself in rainbows and welcomes WorldPride, many LGBTQ+ people are finding inspiration not by imagining a brighter future — but instead by revisiting a more hostile past. Reporter Marissa Lang has been out all over the D.C. region speaking to trailblazers of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. What advice can these living legends offer in difficult times? Today's show was produced by Emma Talkoff, who also contributed reporting. It was mixed by Sam Bair and edited by Maggie Penman. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Dupont Circle park to be closed this weekend during WorldPride
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Police in D.C. will be closing Dupont Circle park this weekend as WorldPride festivities kick off, officials said. A letter obtained by DC News Now said that this closure comes at the request of the Metropolitan Police Department with agreement from the U.S. Park Police. The National Park Service will close Dupont Circle from Thursday, June 5 to Monday, June 9. WorldPride underway in DC for first time 'This decision was made based on a history and pattern of destructive and disorderly behavior from unpermitted activities happening in the park during past DC Pride weekends, including vandalism in 2023 that resulted in approximately $175,000 in damage to the historic Dupont Circle fountain,' the letter read. We recognize that World Pride is a significant event, and we are committed to supporting a safe celebration for all. We ask for the public's cooperation and understanding as we take this necessary step to keep the community and visitors safe and protect one of D.C.'s most treasured public spaces. Letter sent to ANC Commissioner Officials said in the letter that this was also in accordance with President Donald Trump's Executive Order on Protecting American Monuments, Memorials, and Statues, and Combating Recent Criminal Violence. DC News Now reached out to the Metropolitan Police Department and the mayor's office for statements and was referred to the National Park Service. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Independent
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Shakira's world tour woes continue as sixth show cancelled
Shakira has cancelled her performance at the WorldPride 2025 event in Washington, D.C., due to equipment difficulties, mirroring issues that led to the cancellation of a Boston concert. Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington, D.C., has publicly urged Shakira to reschedule her performance, saying the city is enthusiastic for her to appear. Shakira said that her full tour production could not be moved to Washington, D.C., in time for the scheduled performance, and promised to do everything possible to reunite with her fans soon. The D.C. show marks the sixth cancellation of Shakira's ongoing Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran world tour, with previous cancellations due to hospitalisation, stage safety concerns, and technical issues.
Washington Post
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
25 essential LGBTQ+ bars to know in the D.C. area
Those visiting for WorldPride in June are about to learn what locals have long known: The LGBTQ+ bar scene here is as diverse, interesting and dynamic as the D.C. queer community itself. Looking for a laid-back, gay-owned brewery? There's a spot for that. Somewhere sweaty and dimly lit to dance until the morning hours? There's a spot for that, too. Sapphic-centered spaces, old-time dives and somewhere to belt Whitney Houston songs in front of equally drunk strangers? Check, check and check. In D.C., where about 10 percent of people identify as LGBTQ+, there's a spot tailored to everyone — no matter your identity, interests or wallet size. Below, find a guide to all our favorites.
