Organizers of Pride Toronto and Police Chief Mark Saunders met on Wednesday to discuss security for the annual Pride parade after a potential threat was made against the event.
The meeting took place at noon at Toronto police headquarters.
On Tuesday, a tweet began circulating online that described the Pride parade in Toronto is an “excellent target.”
The post -- discovered on a German-language online message board supporting the Islamic State -- also provided the current scheduled date, time and location of the Toronto Pride parade.
Pride Toronto’s executive director Mathieu Chantelois told CP24 that Pride organizers planned a meeting with Toronto police following the deadly targeted mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando over the weekend.
Chantelois said organizers are taking the post “very seriously.” but would not comment further on the threat.
"Our partners in law enforcement continue to monitor any new developments and we are working very closely with them to ensure the safety of attendees and participants," a statement from Pride Toronto organizers issued Tuesday said. "Pride Toronto will not contribute to a culture of fear by responding to threats. Instead, we will continue to focus on creating a safe space for our community and city to enjoy the remainder of Pride Month."
The statement also said Pride organizers had developed a "solid security plan" with local police and the RCMP, and that the parade will proceed as planned.
"We have to still go ahead with our lives,” Chantelois said. “It’s not the guns, it’s not the bullets, it’s not the hate that will make us, or not make us, do anything. We will march, we will rally, we will celebrate.”
Though Toronto police said they are aware of the online post, it was not immediately clear whether the meeting was arranged prior to its discovery.
