'This is a gun-free event': Detroit police chief unveils plans for NFL Draft weekend
Officials in Detroit say prepartions are well in hand as hundreds of thousands of people are expected to come to the Motor City from April 25 - 27 for the NFL Draft.
The three-day event will pack the city's downtown and the message today from police agencies: “we are ready.”
“We will be working together in this effort to make sure the 300,000 plus who come to this area to enjoy the NFL draft are safe and protected,” said Wayne County Sheriff Raphael Washington.
The Detroit Police Department hosted a media conference Thursday to detail some of the plans for the busy weekend.
Those include collaborations between local, city, state and federal police, all of whom will be out in full force next weekend watching for public safety and potential threats.
Nearby police services will be lending staff and resources, like explosive detection dogs, to ensure the massive event is safe and fun for all attendees.
“If somebody's planning just to come down to the draft and be promote chaos or promote drama. If you see it, or you hear about it, say something,” said Jim Deir of the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Unit.
Detroit’s Chief of Police James White said not a single officer will be on vacation and is reminding visitors to the festivities that weapons aren’t welcome.
“This is a gun free, weapons free event,” said Chief White.
Metal Detectors will line entrance points to the draft party footprint and police are warning bad actors to stay away.
“We know who the bad actors are and Detroit is not the place for you,” said Deir.
Windsor Police Chief Jason Bellaire said the service is part of the integrated security strategy team but Windsor officers will be staying on the Canadian side of the border.
“People should know that they're free to travel to our city to enjoy the great amenities that Windsor has during this event,” said Chief Bellaire.
Just how many people are planning to take him up on that offer? Police don’t know.
If hotels are any indication, it will be a lot. Windsor lodgings are booked solid and foot traffic will be up, especially on Saturday.
“We do get the spill over the people that come and visit the city. And we know that and we're ready for it,” said Chief Bellaire.
The festivities aren’t limited to Detroit.
The 300 Block of Ouellette Avenue will be closed between University Avenue and Park Street for a Block Party Saturday, April 27 between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.
The party will feature games and football clinics, NFL Alumni special guests, a draft viewing screen, extended patios and a stage featuring performers including the Jody Raffoul Band, Huttch, Nasaan, Daniel Hex and Royce Da 5’9.
“Street closures are something we continually get asked to do. And we absolutely love to do them,” said Chris MacLeod, the chair of the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association.
“Windsor’s NFL Draft activations speak to our city’s incomparable community spirit, as well as our growing profile as a premier event destination,” said MacLeod, noting it will be “off the hook.”
“The NFL Draft Block Party brings together that excitement of football with the best of Windsor’s music scene, is a great way to show off downtown’s dynamism and hospitality, and creates a memorable and unique experience that residents and visitors will be drawn to right here in the heart of the city.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trudeau acknowledges charges in Nijjar killing, calls for commitment to democracy
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged the charges laid Friday in relation to the murder of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
Princess Anne lays wreath at B.C. veteran's cemetery; receives 21-gun salute
Princess Anne paid tribute to veterans buried at a cemetery in British Columbia today, laying a wreath to honour the more than 2,500 military personnel and family members buried there.
Mystik Dan wins the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in a three-horse photo finish
Mystik Dan won the 150th Kentucky Derby in a photo finish, edging out Forever Young and Sierra Leone for the upset victory.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.