Police to increase visibility at Copenhagen Pride after Berlin attack

Copenhagen Pride, an LGBTQIA+ celebration and human rights movement, begins in Copenhagen on Saturday with police set to have a more visible presence following an attack on a Pride event in Berlin on July 26, DR reported, citing Ritzau.

The organisers say they will not allow the incident to overshadow the fight for equal rights, diversity and community.

“My message is that people should decide for themselves what they need in order to feel safe attending Pride. I believe this will strengthen our determination, and that even more people will take to the streets,” said Benjamin Hansen, chairperson of Copenhagen Pride.

During the Berlin attack, a car drove into a crowd. One woman was killed and at least 29 other people were injured. The suspected 21-year-old attacker was shot and killed by German police.

“Dialogue with the authorities has naturally intensified, and the police will be more visible. However, Denmark has had a high threat level for many years, so both we and the authorities have extensive security measures in place,” Hansen said.

Copenhagen Police and the Danish Security and Intelligence Service are working together on several security measures for Copenhagen Pride, the authorities told Ritzau.

Copenhagen Police said the operation was planned based on the intelligence service’s current threat assessment. Operational details cannot be disclosed for security reasons. The intelligence service said it was in close dialogue with Copenhagen Pride about security.

Copenhagen Pride runs from August 8 to 16 and is the largest free Pride event in Scandinavia. The programme includes talks, quizzes and the traditional parade, which will take place on Saturday, August 15.