Montana cities hold vigils for Orlando shooting victims

Hundreds of people wearing rainbow-colored ribbons, waving rainbow flags and carrying candles have gathered in Jersey City to honor the victims of the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he had sent a letter to United States president Barack Obama on behalf of the Irish people “indicating our solidarity with the American people and government”.

Sunday’s attack, which President Obama called an example of “homegrown terrorism”, spurred an outpouring of support for the LGBT community nationwide, with vigils Monday night in New York City and Newark and one planned for tonight in Hoboken.

“Jersey City has the largest gay and lesbian population in the state of New Jersey, and not only that, we are the most diverse city in the country”, said Ward E Councilwoman Candice Osborne. Attendees will walk together to Veterans Memorial Park for a short program and vigil. “Waking up and hearing so many people have been shot just for being who they are, being in a space celebrating who they thought they were”. “I want you to know that you have several thousand friends right here on this street”.

“We want to stand here in solidarity with our community here, to show them that you are not alone, we are here with you, and that we really prayed for you guys, and hope that you stay strong in these tough times”, said Eric Hall, a Western Montana Community Center board member. “You do not have to be afraid”.

“We would like everyone to come out, not just the LGBTQ community, but allies, people who are just devastated by what has taken place”, said Puckett. “I also heard, in the news, that this hateful person – who committed this horrific crime – was in Miami and it angered him when he saw two men holding hands”. “And we will respond with love”. Love will conquer. We live in the United States of America, the land of the free and the home of the courageous.