NYPD Holds Heritage of Pride March Security Briefing

June 25, 2019

Thousands of Officers Will Be Deployed to Protect More Than 3 Million Expected Spectators and Participants

The NYPD and New York City Heritage of Pride March organizers announced route changes and a comprehensive security plan for this Sunday’s Pride march. For 2019, the 50th annual Heritage of Pride March is coinciding with the Stonewall 50 Rally and WorldPride, an international event which celebrates the LGBTQ community through parades, festivals, and other cultural activities. An additional three to four million people are expected in New York City from June 22 through July 6 to attend this historic convergence of events.

"The LGBTQ community is an essential part of New York City. And during 2019 Pride Month, it is the NYPD's mission – as it is for every large event held in our great city throughout the year – to ensure that everyone can enjoy the festivities safely, free from violence and intolerance," Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill said. "Our continued relationship with organizers of the Heritage of Pride March, and all of our partners' dedication to sharing the responsibility for public safety, has again led to a comprehensive plan that stands to enhance the experience for participants and spectators alike."

"This year, NYC is hosting the largest Pride celebration in the world," said Pride March Director Julian Sanjivan. "As Heritage of Pride works toward a future where all people have equal rights under the law, we are grateful for our NYPD partners for keeping all the participants and spectators safe as we celebrate LGBTQ culture and history."

This year's march proceeds through Midtown and the West Village, passing by the historic Stonewall Inn. The march will step-off at 25th Street and 5th Avenue, travel southbound on 5th Avenue to West 8th Street, west on 8th Street to Greenwich Avenue, west on Greenwich Avenue to Christopher Street, west on Christopher Street to 7th Avenue, and then northbound through the dispersal point at 23rd Street. There will be no cross town traffic along the route during the march. Larger viewing areas as well as an Americans with Disabilities Act viewing area will be provided.

A comprehensive security plan is in place to ensure the safety of everyone participating in or attending the march. There will be thousands of uniformed and plainclothes officers deployed along the entire parade route. There will be more than 100 blocker cars and sand trucks in place along the route. There will also be heavy weapons teams, Bomb Squad personnel, Canines (bomb sniffing and vapor wake dogs), Critical Response Command Officers, rooftop observation posts, and the Counterterrorism Bureau will be monitoring unauthorized drone usage.

As in years past, the NYPD will deploy officers to ensure a safe and enjoyable event. As always, the NYPD encourages anyone who may see something that appears to be suspicious to find a police officer, call 911, or call the terrorism tip line at 1-888-NYC-SAFE.

Pedestrian Crossings

5th Avenue (6)

  • 23rd Street & 5th Avenue
  • 21st Street & 5th Avenue
  • 17th Street & 5th Avenue
  • 14th Street & 5th Avenue
  • 13th Street & 5th Avenue
  • 10th Street & 5th Avenue

6th Avenue (4)

  • 23rd Street & 6th Avenue
  • 14th Street & 6th Avenue
  • 10th Street & 6th Avenue
  • Waverly Place & 6th Avenue

7th Avenue (9)

  • 23rd Street & 7th Avenue
  • 21st Street & 7th Avenue
  • 17th Street & 7th Avenue
  • 14th Street & 7th Avenue
  • 13th Street & 7th Avenue
  • Greenwich Ave. & 7th Avenue
  • Perry Street & 7th Avenue
  • 10th Street & 7th Avenue
  • Grove Street & 7th Avenue

map of route and street closures of 2019 Pride Parade