Security concerns weighs on minds at annual SF Union Square tree-lighting ceremony

SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU) - San Francisco’s Union Square hosted its annual tree-lighting ceremony to kick off the holiday season Friday night. But the thing on a lot of people’s minds was their concerns over safety.

The high-profile terrorist attacks in Paris just two weeks ago are still fresh on their memories.  Thousands who gathered to attend the festivities were delighted by the energy in the air.

"It's a wonderful evening. It’s crisp out here. It’s energetic," said Ramona Elmore, a San Francisco mother of four.

"I just love Christmas time, family time and just celebrating it with everybody," said Mary Mikaili of San Ramon.

Several people admitted they had second thoughts about coming to the festivities.

"That was the first thing I thought about big city, San Francisco and it's during the holidays. It's Christmas, the most vulnerable time for people being out," said Clodean Danillo of Walnut Creek.

On Wednesday, there was a shooting several blocks away at the busy 5th and Mission Street parking garage at 6:30 p.m. with many people around going about their day. Police said it was a targeted shooting and not a terrorist act, but unsettling nonetheless.
　
"It's always the fear of the unknown. The ‘What if?’ With the kids out here.  We just got to be careful. We got to be alert," said Elmore.

American Idol winner 2007 Jordin Sparks delighted the huge crowd that gathered for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

On the sidelines, there were protestors holding "Black Lives Matter” signs, but the demonstration did not disrupt the event.

San Francisco Police Chief Greg Suhr said there are additional layers of security— extra officers, both uniformed and plainclothes.
　
"The main thing is we have no threats. We're in contact with the FBI so everything we're doing is out of an abundance of caution," Chief Suhr said. 

One family told KTVU they came prepared if something should happen. They designated a meeting spot if they lose each other in the crowd.

But they say the high-profile police presence is reassuring.
　
"We just got to trust that our country and the people who run it are going to do what they say they're going to do to protect us," said Elmore.

The bottom line for everybody who spoke with KTVU was that they refuse to allow fear of terrorism to disrupt their lives.