Several people have been injured after a possible chemical agent was dispersed into a large crowd of attendees at Baltimore Pride.
On Saturday evening (15 June), the Baltimore Parade and Block Party took place in Maryland’s largest city, but the event came to a sudden halted when a chemical was released into the crowd and fireworks were set off, causing pride-goers to panic and flee the area.
Baltimore Police Department detective Freddie Talbert confirmed to Newsweek that the incident happened at approximately 8.37pm near the main stage, located near North Avenue and Charles Street, during a performance by headliner Saucy Santana.
“At approximately 8:37pm, attendees informed officers stationed at the Pride Parade festivities that a possible chemical agent was released into the crowd, potentially mace, hair spray, or another agent,” Talbert said to the publication in an email. “Police did not release the chemical agent.”
“Additionally, fireworks were set off at the location, causing attendees to flee the area. Due to the large crowd fleeing, several individuals were injured as they attempted to leave the area.”
The injured individuals – the number of which is not currently known – were treated by the local fire service.
Talbert went on to confirm that an investigation is underway into the incident but added the police do not currently have any evidence to suggest this was a targeted attack on the Pride celebration.
