Community Corner

Atlanta Vigil Planned for Orlando Shooting Victims

The event is set for Sunday night at 8:45 outside TEN Atlanta in Midtown.

Atlanta, Ga -- A vigil is being planned for Sunday evening in Midtown in honor of the victims in the early morning shooting at an Orlando gay nightclub.

"Let's meet in TEN's parking lot at sunset (8:45pm) and stand in solidarity with our brothers & sisters in Orlando," said the vigil's social media organizers. "Please bring any candles that you have, even if they are in little glass jars. Whatever you have. We will light up the night.

"What makes us different makes us beautiful. We need to stand strong in the face of terror and show them they can't take away our pride. Bring your rainbow flags too!"

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An estimated 50 people were killed and dozens more injured in what is believed to be the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. The shooting was at Pulse, a nightclub that was hosting an event during Orlando's Disney World Gay Days.

Alex Wan, a gay Atlanta city councilman who represents the city's 6th district, issued this statement on Facebook:

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With planning under way for its own celebrations, the Atlanta Pride Committee on Sunday was sending love and support to the victims of a deadly shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando.

"Our hearts go out to those present and injured in Orlando and to their loved ones," Atlanta Pride Committee said in a Facebook post.

"One of the most difficult tasks we have to as Pride organizers is prepare for the possibility of hate crimes and terrorism at our events," the committee wrote. "Atlanta Pride is committed not only to the safety of those who attend our events but also to the transformation of culture that breeds hatred and violence against LGBTQ people. We work for liberation, understanding, and peace."

The shooting at Pulse took place during LGBT pride month, celebrated each year in June.

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