Police: No major incidents at Boise Pride, but security guard received battery citation
Despite backlash and tension leading up to last weekend’s annual Boise Pride Festival, no major problems were reported at the three-day event, according to police.
On Saturday, the second day of the festival, Boise police officers did respond to an incident near Capitol Boulevard and Bannock Street at about noon.
Haley Williams, Boise Police Department spokesperson, told the Idaho Statesman that a private security guard received a misdemeanor battery citation after allegedly striking a protester who was holding a sign within festival grounds and taking him to the ground.
Police escorted the protester out of the event and he was checked out by Ada County Paramedics, according to Williams.
The private security company told the Statesman that it was declining to comment on the incident until meeting with its attorneys.
Williams said in an email there were no other arrests or significant incidents during the festival, which was attended by thousands, held the largest parade in its history and also drew a few protesters.
Leading up to the event, some right-wing groups and the Idaho Republican Party targeted Pride sponsors and the festival itself, over a Drag Kids program that was scheduled. That program was canceled over safety concerns after some sponsors dropped out.
The story about the security guard’s misdemeanor citation was first reported by KTVB.
This story was originally published September 13, 2022 at 3:06 PM.
