DC Pride Parade Cancelled After Sounds Mistaken for Gunshots

Capital Pride, the pride celebration in Washington, DC, cancelled its parade after participants thought they heard gunfire, causing panic to find safety Saturday afternoon. Multiple injuries were sustained in the resulting scuffle.

The event, which steps off in DuPont Circle, was meant to trail about a mile and a half with floats, vehicles, signs, banners, and entertainment. Grand marshals this year included Dominique Jackson and Hailie Sahar, both of Pose, as well as activists Earline Budd and Brandon Wolf. Matt Easton, who made headlines when he came out during his graduation speech this year at Birmingham Young University, was also a grand marshal.

A panic was caused when attendees said they heard a popping sound, reminiscent of gunshots. In the commotion, some attendees sustained minor injuries. According to the Associated Press, seven were taken to hospitals. This all started around 7:30 p.m.

While the Metropolitan Police say there were no actual gunshots, a man was taken into custody and could be potentially charged for being in possession of a gun. According to the Washington Examiner, the man with the gun was involved in an altercation and showed his weapon in the midst of it. This likely also contributed to the commotion.

The parade was canceled as a result of the incident but the overall pride festivities continued at a block party.

The pride week is only one of D.C.'s Pride weeks. Both Capital Trans Pride and DC Black Pride were celebrated in May with DC Latinx Pride earlier this month.

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