City Stepping Up Security For Light Up Night Celebrations
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- It has become a tradition. The Friday before Thanksgiving is Comcast Light Up Night in the City of Pittsburgh, officially kicking off the holiday shopping season.
Good music, food, and of course, fireworks. An added attraction this year - LED lights along the Rachel Carson Bridge, powered by the wind.
The weather is also supposed to be nice, which could mean more people flocking downtown.
But after a shooting near the Wood Street T Station on the 4th of July, people want to know it is going to be safe.
"We have had a couple of incidents this year, that weren't related, but did involve youth," says Mayor Bill Peduto. "Youth are getting onto social media. They are calling each other out and they are going to the larger events, or they will see somebody's at the larger event."
With that information in hand, what does the city do to counter?
Mayor Peduto says it's all about police presence, and a big one to send a loud and clear message.
"You'll see a coordination with Pittsburgh Public School Police, the Port Authority Police, and even the state police, making sure this event is a safe and friendly event," he said.
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The events stretch across Downtown Pittsburgh from Grant Street to Point State Park. There will be two fireworks displays and live entertainment.
But there are specific areas that have been known to attract trouble in the past, so that's where police will be most obvious.
"Liberty Avenue, Market Square, down along the area of The Point, and there will be other areas where the police will probably be in plainclothes," Mayor Peduto said.
