Southold Town Plans Vigil Monday to Affirm 'Unity and Solidarity' With Orlando

SOUTHOLD, NY - The North Fork will stand strong in love and unity after the deadly mass shooting in Orlando that has left 49 dead and 53 injured at the Pulse nightclub.

The Southold Town Anti-Bias Task Force along with Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell will be holding a vigil on Monday, June 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the town green, located at Silversmith's Corner, across from IGA on Route 25 and Youngs Avenue.

The aim of the vigil is to "affirm our unity and solidarity with the LGBTQ community in Orlando. We will stand together with people of good will in Southold Town to share our sorrow and confirm our commitment to the human dignity of all people," a release said.

"It's a difficult time. We are trying to honor the memories of the victims of this horrific event. I think perhaps the best we can do is reaffirm our unity and commitment to not be deterred by barbaric acts," said Russell.

"We are keeping the victims and their families in our prayers," Russell said Sunday, after the attack.

East End remembers

The vigil is the latest on the East End to mourn the victims.

Hours after the deadliest mass shooting in United States history, a peaceful vigil was held outside the Hampton Library in Bridgehampton, as residents struggled to make sense of the nightmare and reached out to one another in the darkest of hours.

And now, a new vigil will be held Tuesday, June 14, at the Bridgehampton School, according to teacher Tom House.

"Please join me and the students of Bridgehampton School in a candlelight vigil Tuesday evening, June 14, to honor the tragic loss of innocent lives in Orlando," he wrote on Facebook.

The group will meet on the front lawn of the school at 7 p.m. and by 7:30 p.m., will begin a "peaceful walk" into Bridgehampton, stopping at the Hampton Library and making a loop of the village before returning to the school at 9 p.m.

"All are welcome. Bring flashlights, battery-powered candles, signs, banners and pride flags. Spread the word," he wrote.

The world was rocked Sunday by news of the shooting at the Pulse Orlando Night Club & Ultra Lounge.

The shooting took place at the popular gay bar while about 350 people were dancing and drinking.

The suspect, Omar Mir Seddique Mateen, was killed by law enforcement in an exchange of gunfire, according to Orlando Police Chief John Mina. Eleven officers involved in the shooting have been placed on leave. An Orlando police officer was shot during the exchange of bullets, but police say his Kevlar helmet saved him.

Sunday night's Bridgehampton vigil was organized, House said, to "help us peacefully mourn the tragic loss of lives and show our solidarity with the Orlando, LGBTQ and Latino communities."