CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte's major Speed Street event kicked off Thursday in uptown and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said it isn't taking any chances when it comes to security.
"The stakes are just too high," Deputy Chief Jeff Estes said Wednesday.
[TRAFFIC ALERT: Major uptown streets close down for 'Speed Street']
Department re-evaluated their plan after the terror attack Monday night in Manchester and closed some security gaps they found.
"We can't, in all candid conversation, eliminate all risk," Estes said.
"There will be more officers and resources and some people will see them, while some you won't,” he said.
Festival goers told Channel 9 on Thursday they noticed the increase presence of officers as they walked around the event.
"I noticed more of a police presence which made me feel better," said Cheryl Walters.
"Security is adequate that I've seen," said Gary Osborn, from Indianapolis. Osborn told Channel 9 he isn't worried, despite terror concerns around the world right now.
"If they're going to happen, I don't think all the security in the world is going to stop it," Osborn said.
Police said they do not know of any threats for Speed Street, but it's critical people let them know if they see anything suspicious.
"We're going to keep our eyes and try to keep, you know, see if there's anything you know going on," Jeff Woodall said.
[SCHEDULE: Speed Street event schedule]
The city of Charlotte expects 250,000 people to attend the three-day festival.
Many fans from around the country are already here.
Police said they will be focusing on people's behaviors and any suspicious activity. Eyewitness News anchor Liz Foster asked why Speed Street has not been declared an extraordinary event, especially after a terror attack at another large event.
"You can designate it what you want to, but anything unusual or suspicious, officers are going to engage and talk to people," Estes replied.
Just because Speed Street has not been declared an extraordinary event, that does not mean people attending can bring any item.
There are still items that will not be allowed in concert areas, including coolers and backpacks.
You cannot bring in alcoholic beverages, coolers, backpacks, illegal drugs, controlled substances, weapons, bicycles, roller blades, skateboards, scooters (except for handicapped vehicles), pets/animals (except for assistance animals), cameras, recording devices, selfie sticks, laser pointers, strobe lights, irritants (e.g. artificial noisemakers), bundles and containers of any kind into the premises.
Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:
- North Carolinians cleaning up after possible tornadoes hit 4 counties
- VIDEO: Severe storms, possible tornadoes slam North Carolina
- CMS approves all student assignment boundary change proposals
- Lawyer recorded telling rape victim Trump will deport her if she testifies
- More than 60 firefighters battle 3-alarm business fire in north Charlotte
- WATCH: Keith Monday's Thursday morning forecast
Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
