The internet was abuzz following the Exotics on Broadway event in Seaside on Saturday, Aug. 15 during Monterey Car Week, after an attendee posted a photo showing Seaside Police officers stationed on a rooftop near the event armed with high-powered rifles.
Seaside Police Chief Nick Borges says the “long-rifle observers” were stationed there during the event because, “Unfortunately, the reality of today’s world requires us to prepare for the worst while always hoping for the best.
“With the continued threat of mass-casualty incidents and acts of violence at large public gatherings across the country, we felt it would be irresponsible not to take reasonable, proactive steps to protect our community and visitors,” Borges adds.
Borges says the officers were positioned in a way that provided an added layer of security without unnecessarily disrupting the event. They spoke with event attendees “while maintaining a visible presence that could deter anyone who might have harmful intentions,” he adds.
“Our message is simple,” Borges says. “Seaside will never be a place where someone should believe they can take advantage of a vulnerable crowd.”
Borges says that the goal of the department is never to “create fear,” and that the long-rifle observers were part of a multi-pronged approach to prevent harm to community members and attendees that also included officers patrolling on the ground level, aerial drones and traffic barricades.
“Together, these resources gave us the ability to better monitor the event on the ground, respond quickly if needed, and maintain a safe environment for everyone,” Borges says.
He adds that the event was “one of the best-organized events hosted in our city in a long time. It was a great example of what can happen when event organizers, visitors and public safety work together."