Increased security: Metal detectors at gates at Milwaukee PrideFest Sunday after Orlando shooting

MILWAUKEE -- There were metal detectors at the admission gates during the final day of Milwaukee PrideFest on Sunday, June 12th. This, after at least 50 people were killed and another 53 people were hurt during a mass shooting at the popular Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida early Sunday morning.

The metal detectors were on hand at Maier Festival Park -- and officials decided to get them out and use them on Sunday as an added precaution.

Purses and bags were searched, and there was an increased police presence.

Officials emphasized Sunday that the Summerfest grounds were safe.

"A lot of what we do here is not just venue security but also fear reduction. We want the community which is taking part in the gay pride event to feel safe and secure and know their police department is looking out for them," Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn said.

Below is the complete statement from PrideFest officials, issued Sunday morning:

"I think they do a good job with security here. I'm fine," Terry Wayson said.

"It actually makes me feel a lot safer with extra security. Hearing about the tragedy that happened in Florida, really heart-wrenching and sad, and I'm glad to have that extra security," Trevor Halleran said.

"We're lucky to be on a secure property. For 20 years we've been on the property at the Summerfest grounds which allows us to have a single gate for all patrons to have to come in with a ticket and we have screening of patrons through three levels of security really -- MPD, Summerfest security and our volunteer security team," Eric Heinritz with PrideFest said.

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