HdG Mayor on Orlando Massacre: 'We Stand in Solidarity With Our Nation'

Havre de Grace, MD — After a gunman opened fire in an Orlando nightclub early Sunday, killing 50 and injuring 53 more, cities across the country—including Havre de Grace—are rallying behind the Florida town and the victims.

“Tonight the City of Havre de Grace mourns the loss of American lives to a senseless act of terror," Havre de Grace Mayor William T. Martin said in a statement Sunday evening. "We stand in solidarity with our nation, as we resolve to abolish hate, to stand firm against terror, and to embrace freedom and liberty without fear. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the recent events in Orlando, Florida."

President Barack Obama ordered flags at half-staff nationwide, and Maryland  Gov. Larry Hogan mandated Maryland flags lowered as well. Hogan said he was "shocked and saddened" by the violence at Pulse, the Orlando nightclub where the mass shooting took place.

The cofounder of Pulse now lives in Baltimore, where the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center of Baltimore and Central Maryland will host a candlelight vigil to honor the victims of the Orlando shooting at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 13. The vigil will take place at The Ynot Lot at North Avenue and Charles Street in Baltimore.

Related:

• Orlando Nightclub Shooting Death Toll at 50; Act Of Terror, Officials Say
• Pulse Nightclub Founder—Now Head of Baltimore's Hippodrome Theatre—Says He's 'Devastated and Heartbroken'
• Kevlar Helmet Saved Cop's Life In Orlando Mass Shooting
• Orlando Shooter’s Dad Laments Son's Death

Hogan released the following statement in response to the Orlando terror attack:

“The First Lady and I are shocked and saddened by the senseless violence this morning at a nightclub in Orlando. We offer our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the innocent victims of this act of terror, and our deepest gratitude to the first responders and law enforcement who responded to this tragedy with bravery and courage. I have reached out to Florida Governor Rick Scott to express our support during this time. The State of Maryland is ready and willing to provide any assistance needed..."

Photo Credit: City of Havre de Grace.