New York City is gearing up for the 44th annual Dominican Day Parade this Sunday, and safety has become a major concern this year, according to ABC7NY. Ahead of the celebration, city officials and police are moving to reassure the public that the event will be secure.
The parade is set to kick off in Manhattan at 11 o'clock Sunday, with thousands of people expected to line up along Sixth Avenue to watch their favorite artists and celebrate Dominican pride. The sounds of merengue and bachata will travel up Sixth Avenue between 37th Street and 55th Street.
To coordinate the response, the mayor, the police commissioner, community leaders and lawmakers are set to hold a security briefing at police headquarters this afternoon. Officials say the goal is simple, to make sure people have an amazing time while celebrating a tradition that is 44 years in the making.
The heightened focus on safety comes after police seized guns from several people at the Bronx Dominican Day parade two weeks ago. That earlier event has shaped the way authorities are approaching Sunday's celebration in Manhattan.
According to the report, police recovered more than a dozen guns and made 16 gun-related arrests, both during the Bronx Dominican Day parade and the activities that followed. Among the weapons taken off the streets was an assault rifle seized from a 19-year-old man.
The security briefing is expected to take place at police headquarters at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. The mayor and the police commissioner have stressed that they want the event to be fun for everyone, even as they tighten preparations to keep parade-goers safe.