DC police recinds request to close Dupont Circle park during WorldPride after pushback from DC community
EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to clarify information from the Metropolitan Police Department and the status of the park.
WASHINGTON () — Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) leadership reversed its this weekend, just hours after authorities announced it would be closed during WorldPride.
On Monday night, NPS said the park would temporarily be closed due to 'a history and pattern of destructive and disorderly behavior from unpermitted activities happening in the park during past DC Pride weekends, including vandalism in 2023 that resulted in approximately $175,000 in damage to the historic Dupont Circle fountain,' according to a spokesperson.
It was a joint with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and U.S. Park Police (USPP), NPS noted.
RELATED COVERAGE: Dupont Circle park to be closed this weekend during WorldPride
The announcement caused immediate pushback from local leaders and D.C. residents, many of whom believe the park is a central park of the local LGBTQ+ community. Within hours, there were whispers that the park would remain open.
In a social media Tuesday morning, D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen wrote, 'This would be the wrong move. The park is an important part of DC's Pride celebrations, gatherings, and history. We're hearing this decision may be reversed by MPD, with some accommodations to protect the fountain, and Dupont Circle park will remain open this weekend. 🌈 ⛲️
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Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker said he spoke with MPD Chief Pamela Smith, who said the decision to close the park would be rescinded.
'The Park is central to the lgbtq community, and neighbors will be able to enjoy it this year for World Pride,' he on social media.
On Tuesday afternoon, MPD confirmed it rescinded its request to close the park, noting how important the park is to the Pride celebration. The final decision still lies with the U.S. Park Police.
In a statement shared with DC News Now, a spokesperson said:
Chief Pamela A. Smith has heard from community members and understands how significant Dupont Circle Park is to the Pride celebration.
The following letter was sent to the U.S. Park Police, formally rescinding MPD's request to close Dupont Circle Park this weekend.
MPD stands ready to support the National Park Service and the U.S. Park Police during this weekend's events.
The Metropolitan Police Department
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In a letter, the department explained that there have been significant challenges in Dupont Circle Park after formal Pride events concluded, leading to the initial decision to close the park this upcoming weekend.
For example, Chief Smith said, in 2019, an individual was arrested after gunshots were heard in the park, causing people to flee, thinking there may have been an active shooter.
In 2024, a large group of juveniles entered the park and 'engaged in unpermitted and illegal activities,' she added. This included drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana and fighting. Some of them also ran into local businesses and stole items.
To prevent the recurrence of prior year's incidents, particularly with the demands of WorldPride 2025, MPD requested the closure of Dupont Circle Park and the installation of anti-scale fencing around its perimeter this upcoming weekend. However, after hearing from community leaders and residents, I am formally withdrawing MPD's request to close Dupont Circle Park and the installation of anti-scale fencing around its perimeter from Thursday, June 5, 2025, through Monday, June 9, 2025.
MPD Chief Pamela A Smith in a letter shared with DC News Now
NPS officials have not confirmed whether the park will remain open.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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