Orlando Shooting: Oregon Reacts

"This is a safe city," Assistant Portland Police Chief Bob Day said Sunday afternoon. "It's a strong community but we're not immune from that level of violence.

"This impacts all of us. We're all family and friends. It just reminds us of the gravity of life.

Day was speaking as the tragedy of Orlando with at least 50 dead and more than 50 others injured worked its way across the country, bringing fear as it reached each new place.

Day, along with Interim Chief Donna Henderson, took to the streets, joining in Pride events, to reassure people that there is no known credible threat, they ae aware that there is always a threat.

And they are vigilant.

"No matter your race, color, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation, we are here for you," Chief Henderson said. "We will protect you and we are here to serve you."

They made it clear that there will be increased protection for Pride events.

Meanwhile, hundreds gathered in downtown Portland Friday night for two vigils to show solidarity with #OrlandoStrong.

In Salem, Governor Kate Brown spoke of how two days ago she spoke at the commencement exercise at Umpqua Community College, just nine months after a mass shooting there took 10 lives.

"As we celebrated UCC students reaching a major milestone, we also honored the community’s resiliency," she said. "I call upon us as a state to move beyond the political debate about gun control and instead bring responsible gun owners and community advocates together to find solutions. 

"We must take action to better protect community safety."

Brown ordered flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff until sunset on June 16th.

Portland Mayor Charlie Hales asked that, as Pride Week gets underway, everyone come together for each other.

"Next week is Portland’s Pride Parade and Festival. I’m calling on all Portlanders to hold our LGBTQ community close, and come out in a show of force against terrorizing people because of who they love," he said.

Photos courtesy, Sarah Iannarone, Portland Police