WGNS has already heard from a large percentage of residents from Rutherford County planning to attend the PRIDE event in Nashville, but with some apprehension.

Nashville Police Chief Steve Anderson announced that the Metro Nashville Police Department's Office of Special Events will be developing a safety plan featuring a highly visible police presence for Nashville Pride Festival events at Public Square Park on June 24th and 25th.

"Sunday's mass shooting in Orlando shocked all of us and has understandably caused concern among those planning to attend this year's Nashville Pride Festival," Chief Anderson said. "I have directed Lt. David Leavitt in Special Events to develop a staffing plan with extra-duty officers that clearly demonstrates this police department's commitment to safety for all festival goers. Without going into specifics, this department will have a quite visible presence in and around Public Square Park on the 24th and 25th as part of our mission to advance safety, fairness and equality for all."

The Special Events staffing will be in addition to personnel provided each year through a private security company contracted by the organizers of the Nashville Pride Festival.

Chief Anderson also announced that MNPD representatives have reached out to several owners/operators of local LGBT establishments to ensure that lines of communication are open and to request that they immediately contact the police department with any concerns regarding suspicious persons or activities. Any owner/operator who has not yet heard from the department is invited to contact the commander of their precinct.