New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio commended the police department on Tuesday for keeping the crowds safe as visitors from around the globe flooded the city’s streets over the weekend to celebrate LGBTQ rights.
"We saw something amazing this last weekend. Five million people came here for WorldPride. Five million people and there was almost not a single incident," de Blasio said at NYPD graduation on Tuesday. "What I saw was extraordinary efforts by NYPD to keep people safe."
He also noted how the crowds welcomed the NYPD’s presence during the event. Law enforcement, including members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, were photographed taking part in the festivities, smiling, holding hands and waving pride flags. Officials said the city collected more than double the trash than it normally collects after New Year's Eve celebrations.