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Two people were stabbed and one was shot during the World Pride march in Washington DC yesterday.
The two unnamed male victims were rushed to the hospital following the stabbing at Dupont Circle Park during the LGBTQ+ celebrations yesterday evening.
People were evacuated from the park by police at around 7.30pm as an investigation into the attack was opened.
Later in the evening, another man was shot near the park on 19th Street NW.
He remains conscious, and his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
The incidents came as authorities had originally called for the park to be closed during the parade from Friday until Sunday.
An eight-foot-high high had been erected around the public space on Thursday night in preparation for the event.
But the decision was overridden by the city government, which ordered the facility to remain open for the weekend.
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Sydney Willis, a waitress at a nearby restaurant, said she ran inside after hearing a gunshot.
She told the Washington Post: ‘People definitely were a little alarmed but then I think it calmed down relatively quickly.’
She added that the event had gone from being ‘really fun’ with ‘everybody having a good time’ to a scene of chaos.
Two separate crime scenes where the incidents occurred were taped off by officers.
No arrests have yet been made in connection with the stabbings, with police declining to comment on whether they held any suspects following the shooting.
Thousands braved the damp weather to turn out for the colourful LGBTQ+ parade in the US capital on Saturday.
The centrepiece of the parade, a rainbow flag spanning the length of three football pitches, was carried by 500 members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington.
Celebrations are due to conclude today with a rally, street party and a concert on Pennsylvania Avenue.
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