The NYPD is taking new measures to protect the gay and lesbian community following the deadly terror attack on gay bar in Orlando.
Gay bars around the city are on heightened alert. "Yes, I'm always concerned, extremely concerned for my patrons," said Tommy Greco, owner of The Ritz Bar and Lounge on West 46th Street.
Greco says he's taking the massacre at a gay nightclub in Orlando very seriously. The Florida man who did the shooting proclaimed allegiance to the Islamic State terrorist group.
"Basically doubling up on security. As you can see we don't have many entrance points. There's only one entrance point so we can get a good handle on exactly who is coming in to see if there is anything suspicious that we can kind of defuse the situation outside," said Greco.
The NYPD also has been stepping up security, visiting LGBT establishments with this brochure about issues facing the community.
"They contacted me yesterday about doing more patrols in the area,” said Greco. “Last night they had a few cars stationed outside. Got to chat with the guys, everybody is on the same page."
Monday evening another cop car was sitting out front. Police say you can expect to see the same thing at other bars and clubs.
"We will be committed to defending every aspect of this city. Every component of the vitality of this city and that includes the community that this month is celebrating so many gains they have made over this last number of years," said Police Commissioner Bill Bratton
Bratton promised increased security at the Pride Parade later this month. But the police commissioner and local politicians also said restricting access to guns has to become a priority.
Senator Charles Schumer exhorted lawmakers from across the country to step up to help prevent tragedies like this one.
"Congress ought to stop bowing down to the extreme position of the NRA which even says that a terrorist on a no-fly list or a terrorist’s watch list should be able to buy a gun," said the Senator.
Schumer says he hopes as early as this week, legislation will be introduced once again to try and ban the sale and purchase of assault weapons like the one used in Orlando.