Incident with mace at Baltimore Pride not terrorism: police

Participants of aLGBTQ+Pride Month Celebration in Baltimore fled in panic this weekend after a chemical warfare agent spread through the air.

The use of pepper spray at an event Saturday night caused chaos, a mass exodus and numerous injuries at the Baltimore Pride Festival. According to Lindsey Eldridge, director of public information and outreach for the Baltimore Police Department, the incident occurred around 8:37 p.m. during the Pride Block Party near North Avenue and Charles Street.

Eldridge explained that the pepper spray was sprayed during a physical altercation between two groups attending the event. Musician Saucy Santana was performing at the time of the unrest. Fireworks were set off at the same time, which increased the panic and caused attendees to leave the premises, police said.

Eldridge told The lawyer that three people who came into contact with the mace were treated and released to a nearby hospital. Firefighters also treated several injuries sustained in the mass exodus. Eldridge stressed that officers did not throw the mace and there is no indication that the incident was a targeted attack.

The incident followed a warning from the Federal Police in May about thePotential for terrorist attacks at Pride events this year. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security issued a public notice on May 10 warning of a heightened threat during Pride month. The warning noted that foreign terrorist organizations such as ISIS and their supporters could take advantage of the large gatherings associated with Pride events. Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

“Our officers are carefully reviewing the surveillance video to gather all necessary information,” Eldridge said.

Kate Bowers, a Cockeysville resident who attended the incident, described the scene as chaotic and frightening. “All of a sudden people were screaming and running. It was like a bomb had gone off. The air was so stuffy. People were vomiting. They were throwing water in each other’s eyes. There was a small child in a stroller. They were throwing water in his eyes,” she said.said the Baltimore Banner. Bowers and her friends were able to escape safely, although a friend was temporarily separated from the group.

Cleo Manago, executive director of the Pride Center of Maryland, which organizes the annual event, stressed the importance of public safety. “PCOM views public safety as a priority, which led to an earlier discussion about moving the Baltimore Pride Festival to a venue where they can better control what people bring,” Manago told the outlet.

Despite the incident, Sunday’s Pride in the Park event at Druid Hill Park was well attended, with large groups gathering for the music, vendors and live performances.