Stoughton Mourns the Victims of Orlando Nightclub Shooting

Stoughton, MA — A beautiful Tuesday evening was anything but that for the dozens that gathered outside of First Parish Universalist Church in Stoughton Center to remember the victims of Sunday's shooting at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando.

Organized by the church, everyone there, no matter their gender, race, religion, or sexuality was there to mourn those lost at the end of what should have been an evening of fun and dancing. Despite the ruthless violent act, Stephen Cook, the interim minister of First Parish Universalist Church, urged the audience to not let hate win."

"The power of love is there now and always will be," Cook said. "You may say this is an unsatisfactory answer and it is. Our world it not filled robots but with people who have the capacity to do the wrong thing but the right thing too."

Stoughton native Adam Imbrinzski wasn't sure he needed to go to Boston Pride Saturday, believing that the vast hatred of the past was gone.

"On Saturday, I thought 'do I need to go? Is it still important?' On Saturday. I celebrated my identity and woke up the next day. My brothers and sisters did not," Imbrinzski said.

Early Sunday morning, 50 people, including the shooter, were killed in the Pulse Nightclub. Imbrinzski explained that for the LGBT community, the club is their safe space.

"If you think certain places are unsafe you go to the club and you know you are safe. We came out this evening as a community. We came because we have to pray. We are one people," he said.

Following the speakers, the church bells were rung for each victim. A four-verse rendition of "This Little Light of Mine" was sung to close the remembrance.