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Chris Day/PA

Man dies after pick-up truck hits spectators at Florida Pride parade

The driver and the victims were a part of the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus family.

ONE MAN HAS been killed and another seriously injured after being struck by a pick-up truck at a Pride parade in Florida.

Police are keeping an open mind on the motive behind the incident last night while some witnesses said the crash appeared to be intentional.

It happened during the Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade in the city north of Fort Lauderdale.

The driver and the victims were a part of the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus family, according to a statement reported by news outlets from the group’s president, Justin Knight.

Knight said: “To my knowledge it was an accident. This was not an attack on the LGBTQ community.

“We anticipate more details to follow and ask for the community’s love and support.”

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis said a driver of a pick-up truck suddenly accelerated when he was told he was next in the parade, crashing into the victims, according to WSVN-TV.

In the immediate aftermath of the crash, Trantalis said he believed the crash was “deliberate”.

Police said the driver was taken into custody, but it was unclear whether he had been charged.

Photos and video from the scene showed Democratic US Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz in tears while in a convertible at the parade.

In a statement released last night, Wasserman Schultz said she was safe but “deeply shaken and devastated that a life was lost”.

She added: “I am so heartbroken by what took place at this celebration.

“May the memory of the life lost be for a blessing.”

Spectator Christina Currie told the South Florida SunSentinel that she was with her family at the start of the parade.

She said: “All of a sudden there was a loud revving of a truck and a crash through a fence.

“It was definitely an intentional act right across the lanes of traffic.”

Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony said: “Though authorities are still gathering information, we know two individuals marching to celebrate inclusion and equality were struck by a vehicle.

“This tragedy took place within feet of me and my (Broward Sheriff’s Office) team, and we are devastated having witnessed this horrific incident.”

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    Mute Cheers Geoff!!
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    Apr 10th 2015, 4:34 PM

    That is fantastic news!

    809
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    Mute Anne Cunningham
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    Apr 10th 2015, 4:42 PM

    Well – looks like a thief with a conscience ……

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    Mute gerry campbell
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    Apr 10th 2015, 5:08 PM

    Good news story, great to hear, fair play to the facebook sharers.

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    Mute andrew haire
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    Apr 10th 2015, 6:12 PM

    Obviously an ordinary decent criminal.

    147
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    Mute John
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    Apr 10th 2015, 4:44 PM

    They took the chain. My god what utter dirt bags. The filth of humanity is all they are and don’t anyone dare give them the smallest ounce of credit for this. FILTH FILTH FILTH.

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    Mute Jimmy Murphy
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    Apr 11th 2015, 12:42 AM

    You said it bro.

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    Mute Mick lennon
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    Apr 10th 2015, 4:38 PM

    Awesome

    263
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    Mute Janet Coyle
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    Apr 10th 2015, 4:43 PM

    Delighted he got it back so irreplaceable

    244
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    Mute Conor Murphy
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    Apr 10th 2015, 4:37 PM

    Disgusting isn’t even the word.

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    Mute Jimmy Murphy
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    Apr 10th 2015, 7:26 PM

    Oh thanks thieves, for your heart filled generosity.

    Now let this be a lesson to you sucmbags for the heartbreak you cause innocent people and clean up your f***in’ act.

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    Mute Mannix Logan
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    Apr 10th 2015, 9:00 PM

    Those particular type of thieves are very superstitious thats why it was dropped back

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    Mute The Viking
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    Apr 10th 2015, 5:26 PM

    So glad to hear..

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    Mute Kieran Tubs Tobin
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    Apr 10th 2015, 5:33 PM

    A bit of good news at last.. :)

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    Mute Bob Beaman
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    Apr 10th 2015, 4:48 PM

    Yes!

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    Mute Brendan Julian
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    Apr 10th 2015, 4:49 PM

    A gentleman thief

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    Mute Jo Murphy
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    Apr 10th 2015, 4:56 PM

    I think a gentleman would have returned the chain as well.

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    Mute seamus mc manus
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    Apr 10th 2015, 5:02 PM

    No. A gentleman wouldn’t have broke in and robbed his home in the first place.

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    Mute Brendan Julian
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    Apr 10th 2015, 5:02 PM

    Guess i should have put the word sarcasm in brackets to be more clear

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    Mute Sarah Clifford
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    Apr 11th 2015, 12:35 AM

    A gentleman would never rob the personal belongings of another

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    Mute Brendan Julian
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    Apr 11th 2015, 1:29 AM

    A gentleman would never rob, point

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    Mute Larissa Nikolaus
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    Apr 10th 2015, 7:49 PM

    It seems there is a kind of honour among thieves

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