Hudson Valley Gay Pride Event to Hold Moment of Silence for Orlando Shooting Victims

Poughkeesie, NY — Organizers of the Queen City Pride will hold a moment of silence at Sunday’s Summer Community Picnic and Dance Party in the wake of the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

At least 50 people were killed Sunday, with 53 more injured, after a gunman open fire in the Pulse Orlando Night Club & Ultra Lounge. Officials are calling the shooting an “act of terror.”

The founders of Big Gay Hudson Valley, Stephan Hengst and Patrick Decker, issued a statement through the organization’s Facebook page:

“We are heartbroken to learn of the news of last night’s attack on the LGBTQ community in Orlando. Our thoughts and prayers will be with families and friends of the victims as we gather at Locust Grove this evening to honor the strength of a united, visible and proud community.”

The picnic, which will be held at the Locust Grove Estate, 2683 South Rd. in Poughkeepsie. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Hengst said he and Decker, his husband, will make some remarks around 5:30 p.m.

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