Multiple People Shot During DC Pride Parade After Gay Activists Rejected Security Measures

Police reported Saturday that multiple people were shot during a gay pride parade in Washington, D.C., after the original security measures were protested by activists and ultimately nixed by officials.

The shooting took place in Dupont Circle — a site traditionally used by the LGBT+ community — leaving one male injured, according to the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

A shooting has occurred in the area of Dupont Circle. Preliminarily, one male has been injured.

Crowds around the circle MUST disperse.

— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) June 7, 2025

The police also alerted citizens of a stabbing that took place in the same area, which left two male victims suffering from stab wounds. No fatalities were reported Saturday.

Incident: Stabbing investigation in the area of Dupont Circle Park. Two males located suffering stab wounds. No shooting occurred.
Updates to come.

— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) June 7, 2025

Police were later able to take suspects into custody for both incidents, according to several posts on X.

The MPD, in concurrence with the United States Park Police and the National Park Service, originally planned to close the area, citing public safety concerns, according to multiple reports. (RELATED: Navy Reportedly Considering Renaming Ship Honoring Alleged ‘Homosexual Predator’)

“At the request of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, with the concurrence of the United States Park Police, the National Park Service (NPS) will temporarily close Dupont Circle Park this weekend, beginning Thursday, June 5 to Monday, June 9, as a public safety measure and to protect park resources during WorldPride celebrations,” a statement posted June 3 reads.

The federal government says that at the request of DC MPD, Dupont Circle will be closed during Pride Weekend.

Surely MPD’s beef with unauthorized celebration can be addressed by something short of closure?

It’d be like NYC cordoning off Stonewall or SF blocking off the Castro. pic.twitter.com/IZIKtVW4Q1

— Commissioner Joe Bishop-Henchman | Eckington (@joe5f6) June 3, 2025

“This decision was based on a history and pattern of destructive and disorderly behavior from unpermitted activities happening in the park during past DC Pride weekends, including vandalism in 2023 that resulted in approximately $175,000 in damage to the historic Dupont Circle fountain,” the statement continues.

Many officials and people in the D.C. area in general were outraged, believing the measure was unjustified.

“Entirely unnecessary and infuriating situation,” Zachary Parker, a councilmember in D.C, said Friday in a post to X.

Entirely unnecessary and infuriating situation.

The National Park Service’s citation that this closure will not result in a “significant alteration in the public use pattern” and suggestion that World Pride attendees can use other parks misses the significance of *this* park. https://t.co/IGyXMWXPH4

— Zachary Parker (@ZacharyforWard5) June 6, 2025

“The National Park Service’s citation that this closure will not result in a ‘significant alteration in the public use pattern’ and suggestion that World Pride attendees can use other parks misses the significance of *this* park.”

“This would be the wrong move. The park is an important part of DC’s Pride celebrations, gatherings, and history,” Charles Allen, another councilmember, said in a post June 3.

This would be the wrong move. The park is an important part of DC’s Pride celebrations, gatherings, and history. We’re hearing this decision may be reversed by MPD, with some accommodations to protect the fountain, and Dupont Circle park will remain open this weekend. 🌈 ⛲️ https://t.co/ETYhT8X2Y0

— Charles Allen (@charlesallen) June 3, 2025

The decision to close Dupont Circle was reversed Saturday, according to a combined statement from the NPS and Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.

“We are pleased that the Mayor’s office and the National Park Service could work together overnight on a solution that protects the historic features of this park while also ensuring the safety of all who enjoy it,” the statement reads. “We want this weekend to be a safe and fun celebration in our nation’s capital – and one that includes one of the best parks and community spaces in our city, Dupont Circle. We look forward to working together on future initiatives that keep DC safe and beautiful.”