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Calm after the chaos: Washington Square Park FINALLY falls quiet after another violent weekend as cops enforce midnight closing time and enforce ban on loud music, alcohol, cigarettes and skateboarding

 New York City 's Washington Square Park was quiet and calm on Monday night for the first time in weeks after the local police precinct ...

 New York City's Washington Square Park was quiet and calm on Monday night for the first time in weeks after the local police precinct decided to enforce its usual midnight closing time.

The scene couldn't have been more different to that 24 hours earlier when the Greenwich Village landmark was the sight of standoffs between revelers and the police following the weekend's Pride celebrations. 

Fights broke out between law enforcement and partiers while a food vendor was also bloodied and bruised after being hit in the head by a woman.

Earlier on in the weekend, the park had been the scene for illegal boxing matches and raves lasting until the small hours of the morning with the NYPD seemingly unable or unwilling to do anything about it.

Washington Square Park was eerily quiet on Monday night following a weekend of assaults and arrests

Washington Square Park was eerily quiet on Monday night following a weekend of assaults and arrests

NYPD Police precinct is to enforce the park's midnight closure going forward after weeks of unrest

NYPD Police precinct is to enforce the park's midnight closure going forward after weeks of unrest

Loud music, skateboarding, bike riding alcohol and smoking are all banned in the park according to digital signs in the park
Loud music, skateboarding, bike riding alcohol and smoking are all banned in the park according to digital signs in the park

Loud music, skateboarding, bike riding alcohol and smoking are all banned in the park according to digital signs in the park

A hastily erected sign now sees skateboarding, biking and scooter riding all banned in the popular park

A hastily erected sign now sees skateboarding, biking and scooter riding all banned in the popular park 

A student can be seen hanging out by the fountain with his backpack and folder. A scene unimaginable just 24 hours earlier

A student can be seen hanging out by the fountain with his backpack and folder. A scene unimaginable just 24 hours earlier

The park was extremely quiet on Monday night with metal and concrete barricades erected around the perimeter

The park was extremely quiet on Monday night with metal and concrete barricades erected around the perimeter 

Loud music, skateboarding, alcohol and smoking are all banned in the park according to a flyer seen Monday

Loud music, skateboarding, alcohol and smoking are all banned in the park according to a flyer seen Monday

At least one person wasn't happy about the curfew and decided to graffiti their displeasure onto the pavement

At least one person wasn't happy about the curfew and decided to graffiti their displeasure onto the pavement 

The park was virtually deserted late into the night on Monday with just a few people dotted about the fountain

The park was virtually deserted late into the night on Monday with just a few people dotted about the fountain

Police officers could be seen on the edges of the park as the midnight curfew approached

Police officers could be seen on the edges of the park as the midnight curfew approached

Very few people were left in the park as the midnight closure approached - a marked contrast from Sunday night's scenes

Very few people were left in the park as the midnight closure approached - a marked contrast from Sunday night's scenes

The fountain proved to be the perfect spot to cool off on a warm summer's night with temperatures still above 80F at midnight

The fountain proved to be the perfect spot to cool off on a warm summer's night with temperatures still above 80F at midnight

But finally, it appears police are going to become stricter following the end of New York University's semester and Pride celebrations firmly in the rear view mirror. 

Neighbors have long complained of loud music, motorcyclists performing wheelies and fireworks being set off throughout the night, making for a thoroughly unpleasant neighborhood park.

NYPD's Sixth Precinct have now distributed a flyer in order to get the message across and notify people that the park will be continued to close at midnight each night going forward and completely off-limits.  

Entitled a 'friendly reminder,' the flyer explains clearly that the park closes at midnight and reopens once again at 6am noting 'amplified sound without a permit, skateboarding, alcohol and smoking' are all prohibited. So too is riding scooters, ATV's and motorcycles.

'Please respect our park. Thank you for your cooperation,' the flyer states.

During Monday there was two dozen officers patrolling the park to let people know about the new rules. Anyone bringing an amp or speaker was also told that its use was forbidden.  

The Sixth Precinct state additional police officers are to be assigned to the park both during the day and at night for the foreseeable future according to the Village Sun.

There was no ban on blowing big bubbles so it made for the ideal spot for this park-going pair

There was no ban on blowing big bubbles so it made for the ideal spot for this park-going pair

Scooters are now illegal in the park but it didn't stop some from hastily zipping through

Scooters are now illegal in the park but it didn't stop some from hastily zipping through

The NYPD are patrolling the park alongside members from the New York Parks Department

The NYPD are patrolling the park alongside members from the New York Parks Department 

Parkgoers got the opportunity to try their hand at creating giant bubbles on a balmy summer's evening

Parkgoers got the opportunity to try their hand at creating giant bubbles on a balmy summer's evening

A police officer keeps watch at the metal barricades under the park's iconic arch

A police officer keeps watch at the metal barricades under the park's iconic arch

There was little evidence of the mess that had been left around the park from the weekend's activites

There was little evidence of the mess that had been left around the park from the weekend's activites

At least two dozen police officers were seen patrolling the park at various points throughout the day and evening

At least two dozen police officers were seen patrolling the park at various points throughout the day and evening 

Officers walking around the park to inform people about the curfew and the new rules

Officers walking around the park to inform people about the curfew and the new rules

A number of NYPD officers were seen dotted about the park as night fell in Washington Square Park

A number of NYPD officers were seen dotted about the park as night fell in Washington Square Park

Police officers were seen gathered around the park on the lookout for any signs of trouble

Police officers were seen gathered around the park on the lookout for any signs of trouble

The police are working alongside members of the New York Parks Department, seen in the green baseball caps and pants

The police are working alongside members of the New York Parks Department, seen in the green baseball caps and pants

Members of the New York Police Department patrol Washington Square Park on Monday telling one parkgoer they should avoid passing through the area while on their bike

Members of the New York Police Department patrol Washington Square Park on Monday telling one parkgoer they should avoid passing through the area while on their bike 

Members of the Parks Department could be seen also making the rounds in an attempt to keep the peace

Members of the Parks Department could be seen also making the rounds in an attempt to keep the peace

It was so quiet at the park compared to previous evenings that police officers had time to stand around and chat for a bit

It was so quiet at the park compared to previous evenings that police officers had time to stand around and chat for a bit

Earlier on Monday morning, the park was filthy following a weekend of assaults, arrests and revelry, after New York City's Pride celebrations were marred by fighting and skirmishes with police, who used pepper spray to regain control of the growing crowds Sunday evening. 

Fallen Pride flags, empty liquor bottles and beer cans, and pizza boxes were among the trash that had been strewn about the iconic Lower Manhattan park amidst the weekend's festivities, which saw thousands of people descend upon Washington Square Park while partying well past the park's midnight curfew.

Meanwhile, public trash cans were overflowing with garbage as of Monday, with detritus scattered throughout the park, as well-heeled local residents in Greenwich Village continue to complain of ongoing rowdiness in the area. 

A smattering of park-going partiers still remained as of Monday morning, congregating together amongst the trash heaps that were littered about the park, while some of the city's homeless scoured the park's debris for recyclables.

A Pride flag and empty liquor bottle can be seen amongst the litter on Monday, which accumulated in Washington Square Park over the weekend

A Pride flag and empty liquor bottle can be seen amongst the litter on Monday, which accumulated in Washington Square Park over the weekend

The scene at Washington Square Park on Monday morning was filthy following another weekend of assaults, arrests and revelry, after New York City's Pride celebrations ended early Monday morning

The scene at Washington Square Park on Monday morning was filthy following another weekend of assaults, arrests and revelry, after New York City's Pride celebrations ended early Monday morning

A broken trash bag empties even more garbage onto the iconic park grounds, which was nearly coated in debris after a wild weekend of revelry

A broken trash bag empties even more garbage onto the iconic park grounds, which was nearly coated in debris after a wild weekend of revelry 

More trash is strewn about the park on Monday, with bottles and fast food bags littered around a tree

More trash is strewn about the park on Monday, with bottles and fast food bags littered around a tree

Public trash cans were overflowing with garbage as of late Monday morning, with detritus scattered throughout the park, as well-heeled local residents in Greenwich Village continue to complain of ongoing rowdiness in the area

Public trash cans were overflowing with garbage as of late Monday morning, with detritus scattered throughout the park, as well-heeled local residents in Greenwich Village continue to complain of ongoing rowdiness in the area

Park goers continue to defy the city's curfew rules, staying long into the night and early mornings while trash continues to pile up

Park goers continue to defy the city's curfew rules, staying long into the night and early mornings while trash continues to pile up

Trash could be seen overflowing from bins at Washington Square Park on Monday

Trash could be seen overflowing from bins at Washington Square Park on Monday

More debris littered beneath the park's benches as the trash continues to pile up in Washington Square Park

More debris littered beneath the park's benches as the trash continues to pile up in Washington Square Park

A make-shift bar sits atop a stone park bench, with dozens of empty liquor bottles and mixers still there a day after this weekend's Pride revelry

A make-shift bar sits atop a stone park bench, with dozens of empty liquor bottles and mixers still there a day after this weekend's Pride revelry

A broom and janitorial trash bin can be seen later Monday morning, beginning the process of what will be a massive cleanup of Washington Square Park

A broom and janitorial trash bin can be seen later Monday morning, beginning the process of what will be a massive cleanup of Washington Square Park

The days prior to the park's trashing saw violence and tension between NYPD and Pride celebrators. 

An elderly hot dog seller in the city's embattled Washington Square Park had a busted lip, bloody nose and was seen bleeding from his head after being punched in the face several times by a woman. 

The man was seen standing next to his food cart when he was suddenly caught off-guard, punched in the head  and nearly knocked off his feet. 

As he attempted to flee, a group chased him before he finally fell onto the street where police ran to his aid. A woman yelled at him accusing him of using a slur.

People then tended to him in the street following the beating late on Sunday night. 

Earlier in the evening, several people were arrested as simmering tensions between Pride-goers and the police suddenly boiled over. 

NYPD officers used pepper spray on Pride attendees who were in the Greenwich Village park early on Sunday evening after revelers got angry with how police responded to a break in the metal barricades surrounding the popular park. 

Pictured on Sunday, an elderly hot dog seller who was situated at the city's embattled Washington Square Park received a bust lip, bloody nose and was seen bleeding from his head after being punched in the face several times by a woman

Pictured on Sunday, an elderly hot dog seller who was situated at the city's embattled Washington Square Park received a bust lip, bloody nose and was seen bleeding from his head after being punched in the face several times by a woman

People could be seen tending to him in the street following the beating late on Sunday night
The man could be seen standing next to the stand when he was suddenly caught off-guard and punched in the head almost knocking him off his feet

People could be seen tending to him in the street following the beating late on Sunday night

An argument with a food vendor at the corner of Washington Square North and 5th Avenue led to the assault on Sunday night

An argument with a food vendor at the corner of Washington Square North and 5th Avenue led to the assault on Sunday night

The victim was later taken to hospital for further treatment as a result of the attack

The victim was later taken to hospital for further treatment as a result of the attack 

Members of the New York Police Department push back people after a food vendor was attacked

Members of the New York Police Department push back people after a food vendor was attacked


Social media users described officers as shoving one of the broken barricades into a woman who was on the other side. 

Pride participants already were wary of any police presence following a confrontation in the same park, at the same event last year. NYC Pride banned uniformed cops from any of its official events this year, and until at least 2025, over fears their presence would 'harm' attendees. The decision came in the wake of George Floyd's murder.  

Riot police were then seen surrounding the area in riot gear including shields, helmets and visors. Some police officers had their batons out.

Around the park's perimeter, officers formed a chain on police bikes before scores of them flooded the park. There were at least three confirmed arrests.

Police clashed with revelers during Gay Pride festivities after trying to clear a street on the edge of Washington Square Park earlier in the day on Sunday

Police clashed with revelers during Gay Pride festivities after trying to clear a street on the edge of Washington Square Park earlier in the day on Sunday

Police dragged away a woman during a skirmish with police on Sunday afternoon at Washington Square Park

Police dragged away a woman during a skirmish with police on Sunday afternoon at Washington Square Park

A person breathes fire in Washington Square Park as people gathered to celebrate Pride

A person breathes fire in Washington Square Park as people gathered to celebrate Pride

At least three people were arrested as officers and Pride participants were battling against one another

At least three people were arrested as officers and Pride participants were battling against one another

Pro-gay-rights New Yorkers confront members of the "Key of David Christian Center." The small group protested the Gay Pride celebration outside Washington Square Park

Pro-gay-rights New Yorkers confront members of the 'Key of David Christian Center.' The small group protested the Gay Pride celebration outside Washington Square Park

The Queer Liberation March, which replaced the traditional Gay Pride March this year, explicitly banned gay police officers from joining the event, and asked that no police be present for the march itself, claiming that the New York Police Department is a racist and homophobic institution

The Queer Liberation March, which replaced the traditional Gay Pride March this year, explicitly banned gay police officers from joining the event, and asked that no police be present for the march itself, claiming that the New York Police Department is a racist and homophobic institution

Several women were seen being apprehended by police officers during the confrontation at Washington Square Park

Several women were seen being apprehended by police officers during the confrontation at Washington Square Park

Police stand by as a confrontation with Pride goers took place in areas close to the park

Police stand by as a confrontation with Pride goers took place in areas close to the park

Officers dressed in riot gear and police bikers were seen lining the perimeter streets of the park

Officers dressed in riot gear and police bikers were seen lining the perimeter streets of the park

At least three people have been arrested in Washington Square Park during Pride celebrations on Sunday afternoon. Police were pictured dressed in riot gear together with helmets, shields and batons drawn

At least three people have been arrested in Washington Square Park during Pride celebrations on Sunday afternoon. Police were pictured dressed in riot gear together with helmets, shields and batons drawn

Cops gather in Washington Square Park as people celebrate Pride
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Following a clash with police officers, people remained in the park until sundown

Following a clash with police officers, people remained in the park until sundown 

A fire-eater lit up the sky after a tense standoff with police earlier on Sunday evening

A fire-eater lit up the sky after a tense standoff with police earlier on Sunday evening

People gather in Washington Square Park for the 3rd annual Queer Liberation March in New York on Sunday. Several people were later arrested following the Pride celebrations

People gather in Washington Square Park for the 3rd annual Queer Liberation March in New York on Sunday. Several people were later arrested following the Pride celebrations

People arrive to Washington Square park as they take part in the Queer Liberation March, which later erupted into clashes between some attendees and New York Police Department officers

People arrive to Washington Square park as they take part in the Queer Liberation March, which later erupted into clashes between some attendees and New York Police Department officers 

Dozens of police vans and uniformed officers swarmed the area in preparation for any trouble

Dozens of police vans and uniformed officers swarmed the area in preparation for any trouble

'There's talk of mace happening right now at Washington Square Park. There is a sea of cops here,' Twitter user Christine Chung wrote early on Sunday evening. 

'I am currently watching NYPD charge Washington Square Park with riot gear (helmets, pepper spray, batons) … potentially to break up pride celebrations? It certainly looks like they are confronting people celebrating pride from my vantage point,' wrote Meredith Cash. 

'The NYPD has attacked the Queer Liberation March, used pepper spray, and arrested at least one person. Now they're out in force, and riot gear, threatening more arrests. This is why it's no cops at Pride. 

When DailyMail.com asked for a comment from the NYPD over the use of pepper spray, an officer said that 'no official details had yet been relayed from the field'. 

At least one person could be heard chanting through a megaphone: 'The NYPD is not welcome at Pride!' to encouraging cheers of those nearby. 

Officers stand guard after angry scenes earlier on Sunday evening between cops and Pride attendees

Officers stand guard after angry scenes earlier on Sunday evening between cops and Pride attendees

The party appeared to carry on despite a heated confrontation with police

The party appeared to carry on despite a heated confrontation with police

Things appeared to calm down as night fell with most police remaining outside the park

Things appeared to calm down as night fell with most police remaining outside the park 

Spirits remained high well into Sunday evening as people celebrated Pride. Washington Square Park has become a hotspot for rowdy all-night parties and even boxing matches in recent months, infuriating locals who live nearby

Spirits remained high well into Sunday evening as people celebrated Pride. Washington Square Park has become a hotspot for rowdy all-night parties and even boxing matches in recent months, infuriating locals who live nearby 

Revelers took some time to cool off in the park's central fountain in hot New York temperatures

Revelers took some time to cool off in the park's central fountain in hot New York temperatures

Officers remained on guard as the celebrations continued into the evening

Officers remained on guard as the celebrations continued into the evening 

A fire eater can be seen drawing the attention of Pride goers situated around the fountain

A fire eater can be seen drawing the attention of Pride goers situated around the fountain 

It's believed an altercation occurred after a barricade was shoved into a woman by cops, angering those who were with her

It's believed an altercation occurred after a barricade was shoved into a woman by cops, angering those who were with her

Earlier in the day the park was full of people celebrating pride in blazing hot temperatures

Earlier in the day the park was full of people celebrating pride in blazing hot temperatures 

One Twitter user attempted to explain how the melee broke out. Pride-goers were congregating close to the iconic arch and a metal barricade was moved to create more space for those inside the park.

Cops already inside the pen started shoving it back into place, then a woman became agitated and pushed it back at the officers. In return, another officer then moved the metal barricade back into a woman. 

Parkgoers then ran over to the barriers to yell at police for not being more careful and hurting the woman. At this point the NYPD reportedly used pepper spray.  

Over the last month the park has often been the scene of anti-social behavior with everything from illegal boxing matches, to raves and drug taking, although the majority of this has occurred after nightfall, often with police attempting to enforce a curfew. 

LTBTQ Pride Parade marchers are seen gathering at Washington Square Park in New York City before police appeared to break up the event

LTBTQ Pride Parade marchers are seen gathering at Washington Square Park in New York City before police appeared to break up the event 

Tensions were already high between the NYPD and those celebrating Pride after organizers of New York City's event decided to ban LGBTQ police officers from marching in uniform. 

The Reclaim Pride Coalition held its third Queer Liberation March from Bryant Park to Stonewall National Monument and Washington Square Park. The liberation event does not allow police or corporate participation. 

The march commemorates the 1969 Stonewall uprising, sparked by a police raid on a gay bar and tensions between law enforcement and some parts of the LGBTQ community still exist, a half century later.

Twitter users were in disbelief at what was happening in the park during what was supposed to be a celebratory event

Twitter users were in disbelief at what was happening in the park during what was supposed to be a celebratory event

Last year, the NYPD attacked marchers or partiers twice during Pride weekend.  

The role police officers should play in the annual parade has been debated for years, but it took on new heat amid a national reckoning around police brutality.

New York City's streets a year ago were awash in protests over the death of George Floyd and clashes between demonstrators and officers. 

'Folks still have challenging and traumatic and many times horrific relationships with law enforcement,' said John Blasco, a parade regular. 'If you're an officer ... of course you should be able to celebrate and express your pride, but you don't need to do it in a uniform that has perpetuated violence against many of the people who are trying to celebrate their pride that day.' 

For others, presence of LGBTQ police marchers is an expression of hard-fought diversity and inclusion that should be celebrated, a hallmark of how integral LGBTQ people are.

'Why should I have to hide a part of me,' asked Ana Arboleda, a sergeant with the NYPD who has marched in the parade several times and is the vice-president of the Gay Officers Action League. 'Why should I have to take off (the uniform) as if I'm ashamed?' 

The ban is not the first for a Pride march; Toronto Pride hasn't allowed uniformed police since 2017, and Vancouver Pride started limiting its role then as well, while Capital Pride Alliance started doing so in 2018. Denver PrideFest isn't allowing law enforcement to take part in its virtual event this year, and neither is the Capitol Hill Pride Festival, which takes place in Seattle but is separate from Seattle Pride.

In New York City, an alternative to the Heritage of Pride event called the Queer Liberation March, organized by the Reclaim Pride Coalition as a rebuttal to what they consider a too-corporate, too-comfortable main parade, has never allowed a police presence since its 2019 inception. 

Members of the Gay Officers Action League of the New York police department are cheered during the gay pride march in 2013 in New York. This year, organizers of New York City's event banned LGBTQ police officers from marching in future parades while wearing their uniforms

Members of the Gay Officers Action League of the New York police department are cheered during the gay pride march in 2013 in New York. This year, organizers of New York City's event banned LGBTQ police officers from marching in future parades while wearing their uniforms

Members of the New York City Police Department carry flags, including one with the rainbow colors, during New York's Gay Pride Parade, pictured eight years ago in 2013

Members of the New York City Police Department carry flags, including one with the rainbow colors, during New York's Gay Pride Parade, pictured eight years ago in 2013

NYPD police officers march along Fifth Avenue during the gay pride parade in 2014

NYPD police officers march along Fifth Avenue during the gay pride parade in 2014

A police officer applauds as parade-goers shout and wave flags during the New York City Pride in 2016

A police officer applauds as parade-goers shout and wave flags during the New York City Pride in 2016

An NYPD officer grabs a youth by the hair as another officer clubs a young man during a confrontation in Greenwich Village after a Gay Power march in New York in August of 1970

An NYPD officer grabs a youth by the hair as another officer clubs a young man during a confrontation in Greenwich Village after a Gay Power march in New York in August of 1970

In Washington Square Park on Saturday night, the park endured yet another night of debauchery in what has become a flashpoint for the city's out-of-control crime rate. 

Large groups of party goers who had congregated at the park were dancing and playing music well beyond Saturday night and into Sunday morning, breaking a midnight curfew.

There were even three impromptu boxing matches on Friday night, with referees and time keepers. 

A fighter dislocated his shoulder during one of the bouts, but as of noon Sunday, no serious violence or arrests had been reported in the park, as in prior weeks. 

The boxing is the latest in a long-line of anti-social behavior that has been occurring in the park despite efforts to clear the area, usually by 10pm. 

Revelers had been gathering around thundering sound systems for consecutive nights of drinking and smoking marijuana despite a police order to close the park after people ran away from a man who was brandishing a knife and a taser last Friday night

Revelers had been gathering around thundering sound systems for consecutive nights of drinking and smoking marijuana despite a police order to close the park after people ran away from a man who was brandishing a knife and a taser last Friday night

A woman carries a boom box as people pack up and leave the party, which had been raging for several nights and disturbing locals earlier this month

A woman carries a boom box as people pack up and leave the party, which had been raging for several nights and disturbing locals earlier this month

People continue to party in Washington Square Park as NYPD cops stand back and fail to enforce the closing time, pictured last weekend

People continue to party in Washington Square Park as NYPD cops stand back and fail to enforce the closing time, pictured last weekend

Throughout June, with COVID restrictions easing, Washington Square Park has been the site of rowdy all-night parties, stabbings and drug taking, to the fury of well-heeled local residents in Greenwich Village. 

From Memorial Day weekend onwards, the usual midnight closure of the park was brought forward to 10pm, in a bid to end the loud late-night drinking and partying, and limit the antisocial antics, but the efforts have rarely succeeded. 

The curfew saw violent confrontations with the police, and running battles in the streets of Greenwich Village as officers attempted to force people from the park.

Earlier in the week, an illegal rave continued for several nights with revelers blasting out music on thundering sound systems.  

Residents have been continually plagued by moped riders and skateboarders in the area. 

'Starting Monday, the NYPD is going to empty out the park at midnight and stay consistent with it,' a source described as close to the department and a neighbor of Greenwich Village's Sixth Precinct told The Village Sun on Thursday, just prior to the weekend's festivities. 

'They're going to bring in as many officers as they need and say, 'Point your feet in that direction and go.' They will be asking everyone to leave the park.'   

Revelers made the best of the unenforced curfew on Saturday and early Sunday morning, with a group of young merrymakers gathered in a circle with dancers in middle while others congregated around a drummer. 

Meanwhile, a mobile DJ was set up with a mixing station and a large speaker. Amplified music has been a key complaint of neighbors, but their complaints haven't stopped the loudspeakers and crowds revelers. 

The pride march had ended earlier in the day on Saturday, with marchers seen dancing in the park's iconic fountain.


A group of party goers gather in a circle to watch dancers twerk in Washington Square Park on June 26

A group of party goers gather in a circle to watch dancers twerk in Washington Square Park on June 26

At least five illegal boxing matches took place on Friday night with timekeepers and a referee

At least five illegal boxing matches took place on Friday night with timekeepers and a referee

Revelers continued to gather in the Manhattan park last Sunday night despite a police order to shut the park at 10pm

Revelers continued to gather in the Manhattan park last Sunday night despite a police order to shut the park at 10pm

Back at Sunday's Pride march, for the second consecutive year, the lingering pandemic consigned New York's annual Pride march to the virtual world on Sunday, even as its alter-ego, the Queer Liberation March, took its edgier message through the streets of Manhattan.

The NYC Pride march, the city's marquee LGBTQ+ event now in its 51st year, became a made-for-TV production as a cautionary measure to prevent coronavirus infections, which have dropped sharply as the number of people vaccinated has grown.

Only a small number of guests were invited to a three-block area where floats and musical acts paraded for the cameras, but organizer Sue Doster said 'something in the millions' of viewers were expected to tune in. 

Meanwhile, thousands organized by the Reclaim Pride Coalition, whose parade began as a protest to the Pride march two years ago, marched more than 30 blocks down New York's Seventh Avenue with rainbow flags and signs that included 'Liberation and Justice.'

Coalition cofounder Jay W. Walker said the group was hoping to draw up to 70,000 marchers.

Pride colored fans and parasols on display at the 52nd annual New York City Gay Pride Parade, in New York

Pride colored fans and parasols on display at the 52nd annual New York City Gay Pride Parade, in New York

People participate in the Queer Liberation March on June 27, 2021, in New York City. The Queer Liberation March is an alternative Pride celebration free of police officers and major corporate sponsors

People participate in the Queer Liberation March on June 27, 2021, in New York City. The Queer Liberation March is an alternative Pride celebration free of police officers and major corporate sponsors

People gather at Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan for the Queer Liberation March on Sunday in New York

People gather at Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan for the Queer Liberation March on Sunday in New York

Thousands of people celebrate Pride at night in Washington Square Park in New York City

Thousands of people celebrate Pride at night in Washington Square Park in New York City

People gather at Washington Square Park during Pride celebrations on Sunday

People gather at Washington Square Park during Pride celebrations on Sunday

The theme for NYC Pride 2021 is appropriately titled 'The Fight Continues', and it refers to several national and local concerns, including police brutality, state anti-LGBT legislation, and economic hardship

The theme for NYC Pride 2021 is appropriately titled 'The Fight Continues', and it refers to several national and local concerns, including police brutality, state anti-LGBT legislation, and economic hardship

Thousands of people celebrate Pride at night in Washington Square Park on Sunday

Thousands of people celebrate Pride at night in Washington Square Park on Sunday

People celebrate Pride on Sunday night in Washington Square Park

People celebrate Pride on Sunday night in Washington Square Park


People gather at Washington Square Park during Pride celebrations on Sunday

People gather at Washington Square Park during Pride celebrations on Sunday

Artist Chris Williams (C) poses with his Pride Puppets outside the Stonewall Inn during the 3rd Annual Queer Liberation March

Artist Chris Williams (C) poses with his Pride Puppets outside the Stonewall Inn during the 3rd Annual Queer Liberation March

The Queer Liberation March is a 'people's march' working to 'reclaim the spirit and meaning of Pride' with a motto of 'No Corps - No Cops - No BS' according to their website

The Queer Liberation March is a 'people's march' working to 'reclaim the spirit and meaning of Pride' with a motto of 'No Corps - No Cops - No BS' according to their website

People take part in the Queer Liberation March in New York City on Sunday

People take part in the Queer Liberation March in New York City on Sunday

This year's march started in Bryant Park and ended near The Stonewall Inn in the West Village

This year's march started in Bryant Park and ended near The Stonewall Inn in the West Village

People watch the Queer Liberation March from their fire escape on Sunday

People watch the Queer Liberation March from their fire escape on Sunday

Ronaldo Pinto attends at Queer Liberation March in the West Village on Sunday

Ronaldo Pinto attends at Queer Liberation March in the West Village on Sunday

People gather and rally at the Queer Liberation March on Sunday close to Madison Square Garden

People gather and rally at the Queer Liberation March on Sunday close to Madison Square Garden

Amid Iravanipour rallies at the Queer Liberation March on Sunday with a colorful beard

Amid Iravanipour rallies at the Queer Liberation March on Sunday with a colorful beard

People participate in the Queer Liberation March

People participate in the Queer Liberation March

The streets of Manhattan were packed during the Pride march on Sunday

The streets of Manhattan were packed during the Pride march on Sunday 

Under sunny skies with muggy conditions that felt like 90 degrees Fahrenheit, a racially mixed crowd of men and women chanted 'No Justice, No Peace,' and other slogans, some critical of the New York Police Department.

After linking last year's message to the Black Lives Matter movement, Walker said this year's theme is returning to the coalition's standard: 'None of us are free until all of us are free.'

Although the group had urged marchers to wear masks, few did. Last year's march produced no discernable spike in new coronavirus cases, he said.

Both events commemorate the June 28, 1969, uprising at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Manhattan's Greenwich Village, when patrons fought back during a police raid. The defiant stand gave birth to the modern LGBTQ rights movement.

The two groups have differed over their policies on police participation in their events, which the Reclaim Pride Coalition opposes. But Heritage of Pride last month also decided to bar uniformed police officers from its future parades. Doster said many of its Black, brown and trans members feel threatened by their presence.

Pride Parade 2021 continues in New York City
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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer attends New York City Pride on Saturday, where there was a smaller than normal parade due to COVID

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer attends New York City Pride on Saturday, where there was a smaller than normal parade due to COVID 

The senator addressed crowds while waving a rainbow flag as activists stood behind him with a banner expressing his support for LGBT people

The senator addressed crowds while waving a rainbow flag as activists stood behind him with a banner expressing his support for LGBT people 

The main New York City Pride parade, which usually draws throngs of participants and spectators, is once again being presented as a television broadcast special, since now-lifted pandemic restrictions were still in effect at the time it was being planned

The main New York City Pride parade, which usually draws throngs of participants and spectators, is once again being presented as a television broadcast special, since now-lifted pandemic restrictions were still in effect at the time it was being planned

A participant waves to crowds during the parade on Sunday, which despite being smaller than normal still drew plenty of spectators

A participant waves to crowds during the parade on Sunday, which despite being smaller than normal still drew plenty of spectators 

New York City's gay pride parades began in 1970 to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall uprising, which started after a police raid on a Manhattan gay bar

New York City's gay pride parades began in 1970 to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall uprising, which started after a police raid on a Manhattan gay bar

Police stand guard as the parade continues. The organizers of Pride this year decided to ban police from marching in uniform

Police stand guard as the parade continues. The organizers of Pride this year decided to ban police from marching in uniform 

Participants on the Pride parade in New York on Sunday. The event is one of the largest gatherings of the city's calendar

Participants on the Pride parade in New York on Sunday. The event is one of the largest gatherings of the city's calendar 

People meet at Bryant Park in preparation to participate in the Queer Liberation March on Sunday

People meet at Bryant Park in preparation to participate in the Queer Liberation March on Sunday 

Plenty of people joined the parade on motorcycles, including this participant whose vehicle was decked out with several rainbow flags

Plenty of people joined the parade on motorcycles, including this participant whose vehicle was decked out with several rainbow flags 

Sunday's Pride event was broadcast on TV, with organizers hoping to attract an audience in the millions

Sunday's Pride event was broadcast on TV, with organizers hoping to attract an audience in the millions 

Parade participants celebrate New York City Pride on June 27, 2021 in New York City

Parade participants celebrate New York City Pride on June 27, 2021 in New York City

The main Pride parade Sunday is virtual again this year, but demonstrators and celebrators were still making their presence felt in the city. Pictured is an attendee at the event Saturday

The main Pride parade Sunday is virtual again this year, but demonstrators and celebrators were still making their presence felt in the city. Pictured is an attendee at the event Saturday 

A participant at Sunday's Pride march holding a sign reading 'Thank God I'm gay'

A participant at Sunday's Pride march holding a sign reading 'Thank God I'm gay' 

The event - pictured Sunday - commemorate the June 28, 1969 uprising at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Manhattan's Greenwich Village, when patrons fought back during a police raid. The defiant stand gave birth to the modern LGBTQ rights movement

The event - pictured Sunday - commemorate the June 28, 1969 uprising at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Manhattan's Greenwich Village, when patrons fought back during a police raid. The defiant stand gave birth to the modern LGBTQ rights movement

People gathering in New York for Sunday's parade. The parade took place across three blocks of Manhattan with a large TV audience

People gathering in New York for Sunday's parade. The parade took place across three blocks of Manhattan with a large TV audience