The Baltimore Parade and Block Party, organized by Baltimore Pride, took place on Saturday afternoon along North Charles Street. The event included fireworks that caused attendees to scatter, resulting in injuries as people tried to leave the area, according to officials.
The Baltimore Fire Department aided the injured and subsequently shut down the event, even though it was originally set to end at 9 p.m. The specific chemical agent involved in the incident has yet to be identified, and authorities are reviewing surveillance footage to piece together the events leading up to it.
Despite the chaos, photos and videos circulating on social media depict numerous participants joyfully marching in the parade before the incident occurred.
U.S. Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks was one of the attendees of the event, pledging her support for the LGBTQIA+ community in Maryland. Moreover, Bailey Anne Kennedy, the first transgender woman to be crowned Miss Maryland USA, was also in attendance, according to The Baltimore Banner.
As of Sunday afternoon, the organizers have not issued an official statement regarding the incident. However, Sunday’s planned Pride in the Park event is still scheduled to go on from noon to 6 p.m., featuring local artist performances, workouts, a cash bar, and HIV testing.