A Pride celebration and march that began in Istanbul, Turkey earlier today was promptly shut down by riot police who used water cannons and tear gas to disperse LGBT revelers gathered in Taksim Square.

this is hard to watch. The U.S. might have taken a step forward but the world has a long ways to go. #IstanbulPride pic.twitter.com/2lLGjhOIxt

— DCHomos (@DCHomos) June 28, 2015

Mis Sokak'a polis saldırısı pic.twitter.com/oPqcyCRRl9

— Funda Eryiğit (@fundaeryigit) June 28, 2015

A statement from the Istanbul Governor’s Office claimed the parade was cancelled last minute because it was taking place during Ramadan, but others pointed out that Istanbul's Gay Pride parade took place during Ramadan last year without incident.

Water cannon, tear gas used on Siraselviler, off Taksim Square. #Pride #Istanbul pic.twitter.com/z1ad65PHFy — William Armstrong (@WJ_Armstrong) June 28, 2015

Reports Istanbul #Pride2015 march is being attacked by police with tear gas, water cannon - via @lgbtinewsturkey. pic.twitter.com/LneVSy0OaW

— Rori Donaghy (@roridonaghy86) June 28, 2015

#istanbul peaceful and colorful #pride march is attacked with tear gas, water cannon #onuryurusu #LoveWins #turkey pic.twitter.com/xnkdaMX8VI — Murat Çekiç (@muratcekic) June 28, 2015

Taksim de polis LGBTİ yürüyüşü için toplananlara müdahale etti. https://t.co/zluRWGNHRh

— Ahmet Ayva (@tahresrak) June 28, 2015

Actual @istanbulpride stopped in Taksim. Small impromptu celebrations on side streets #LoveWins pic.twitter.com/6nRLhCT5p4 — LGBTI News Turkey (@lgbtinewsturkey) June 28, 2015

#Pride, on stilts, gliding through Istanbul's winding side streets despite the teargas and water cannons pic.twitter.com/SRnuauJgG8

— Lauren Bohn (@LaurenBohn) June 28, 2015

WE ARE HERE, WE ARE NOT LEAVING, GET USED TO IT — LGBTİ Onur Haftası (@istanbulpride) June 28, 2015

Istanbul? Who are these "leaders"! Stop attacking innocent happy people who are celebrating this is madness! This is inhumane! — Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) June 28, 2015