The Latest: Cincinnati pride parade honours Orlando victims

CINCINNATI – The Latest on the pride parade in Cincinnati on Saturday (all times local):

4:30 p.m.

Organizers of Cincinnati’s Pride parade read the names of the 49 people killed at an Orlando gay nightclub and held a moment of silence during the event.

People walking in the parade celebrating Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month, carried photos of the victims and held signs saying “We are Orlando.”

Organizers expected attendance to top last year’s estimated 90,000 people. They said the slayings in Orlando raised interest in participation.

City officials increased security at the parade downtown.

Cincinnati Police Lt. Col. Paul Neudigate pledged “a very robust” police presence that included bike patrols, foot patrols and plainclothes officers.

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12:30 a.m.

Organizers expect big crowds and authorities plan tight security for Cincinnati’s parade and festival events celebrating Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month.

Organizers expect attendance to top last year’s estimated 90,000 people when the parade steps off at 11 a.m. Saturday. They say the 49 slayings this month at an Orlando gay nightclub have raised interest in participation.

City officials have made public assurances that they are ready to keep the parade and festival safe.

Cincinnati Police Lt. Col. Paul Neudigate has pledged “a very robust” police presence that will include bike patrols, foot patrols and plainclothes officers.

Some participants have expressed concern about gun rights activists’ plans for an “open carry outreach” Saturday. Police say the group has been non-confrontational in the past, but they will be monitoring their actions.