A celebration of Japanese culture and a lively atmosphere with thousands dressed as their favorite characters. Thousands are headed to the Raleigh Convention Center for this weekend's Animazement convention.
The convention is a sharp departure from the violence that erupted in downtown Raleigh a few blocks away on Friday, when a woman is accused of shooting two attorneys outside of the old Wake County courthouse.
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Asia Battle recalls walking by the large police presence near the Wake County Courthouse shortly after the two attorneys were shot.
"Anything can happen at any time, so that’s just how things have been in these past years unfortunately," Battle told WRAL on Saturday.
On Saturday, several Raleigh police officers were outside and inside the convention center during Animazement.
WRAL News asked convention center officials if any additional security measures were implemented following the shooting. We have not heard back.
Following the shooting, police said that there was no threat to the public, but some attendees on Saturday said they felt security was heightened this year following the incident.
“It seems to be a bit tighter because of what just happened," said Matthew Roehm, who was attending his 10th Animazement convention.
Raleigh Police arrested Gwendolyn White moments after the shooting and said there was no ongoing threat to the public. Yet, some are still uneasy.
"I’ve just been trying to be more aware of my surroundings and safety since then," Battle said.