Attendees at Sunday’s march, which traveled along the National Mall and ended steps from the US Capitol, said the stakes of protecting the LGBTQ community amid recent actions by the Trump administration hung over the celebrations.

Thousands of people flocked to Washington, D.C., Saturday to celebrate the LGBTQIA community at the WorldPride Parade. Elaborate floats, performers and community advocates traveled the 1.8-mile parade route.

Thousands were expected to gather at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for a rally and march to the U.S. Capitol.

Officials in the nation’s capital generally express full confidence in their ability to handle large, complicated events and huge crowds.

As the 50th annual Pride celebration came to a close this weekend in Washington D.C., violence was seen across the city.  The violent acts followed a long week of debate over whether or not Dupont Circle Park should remain open for pride-related events.

Police reported Saturday that multiple people were shot during a gay pride parade in Washington, D.C., after the original security measures were protested by activists and ultimately nixed by officials.

“I’m loving it here!,” said Angel Creek, a first-time WorldPride attendee. The Chicago native was joined by fellow Howard University student Venus Burrell. Creek said her favorite parts of WorldPride were the outfits, the amount of color and the small businesses who had tents at the festival.

A shooting and a double stabbing are under investigation in the Dupont Circle neighborhood amid WorldPride DC festivities in the area. The violence follows a week of back-and-forth about whether Dupont Circle Park would remain open for this weekend’s Pride events.