Overview

• A shirtless man deployed bear spray in Washington Square Park during a Pride celebration attended by about 10,000 people, burning bystanders’ eyes and triggering panic.
• False rumors of gunfire spread immediately after the spray release, leading to a stampede that injured more than 50 people, according to NYPD sources.
• Hours after the park chaos, two people were shot outside the Stonewall Inn during ongoing Pride festivities and both victims are now recovering.
• Police arrested the suspect at the scene and have opened inquiries into the chemical assault as well as the subsequent shootings.
• Officials are assessing crowd control and security measures ahead of upcoming Pride gatherings to prevent similar safety incidents.