Protect LGBTQ Establishments: Ex-Riverside Chief

RIVERSIDE, IL – Former Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel on Monday called for police around the country to make the protection of LGBTQ establishments a priority.

This followed the mass shooting over the weekend at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs. According to reports, the suspect killed five people and injured 19 others.

In a statement, Weitzel said police chiefs often do what's called "special attention" or "assignments" at football games, basketball games, homecomings and other events. They post officers on foot patrol or in squad cars at these events for specific periods or until the situation calms down nationally, he said.

"I'm calling for this to take place immediately because I know it can happen," Weitzel said. "Any police chiefs or executives who say otherwise, well, they're just not being on the level."

Weitzel retired in 2021 after a long career with the Riverside Police Department. He has remained vocal on law enforcement issues.