Christopher Street West, the organization that runs LA Pride, has not provided numbers on how many were turned away on Saturday and Sunday nights. This year is the first time the festival has sold out in its 48-year history, according to a statement from the organization.

The record crowds turned ugly Saturday night, as police helicopters circled the crowd and threatened to arrest angry ticket holders who had been turned away.

“This really was one of the most dangerous prides I went to,” one attendee Tweeted. “People getting angry/starting fights for being turned away for tickets we paid for months ago.”

According to West Hollywood Police Captain Sergio Aloma, police officers donned protective gear after it seemed that crowd could get agitated.

“Out of an abundance of caution we just decided to ask for additional resources,” said Aloma of a request from backup from other municipalities, “There were initial reports that people in the crowd were throwing bottles at deputies.”...

The organizers had vowed to issue refunds or free admission to Sunday’s festival. However, INTO Managing Editor Trish Bendix, who was turned away Saturday, could not get into Sunday’s event either.

“Despite having a media pass and wristband for entry, I wasn’t able to get in at any of the entrances, including the specified area for press, VIP, and anyone needing ADA access,” Bendix says. “The security was refusing anyone in, even on Sunday when LA Pride said wristbands would be allowed. It was incredibly frustrating, and many people I spoke with had similarly poor experiences with the overcrowding and lack of communication.”