50 dead and 53 injured in worst mass shooting in recent US history
VIGILS are being organised in cities across the country to show solidarity with LGBTI people, after at least 50 killed in Orlando nightclub attack.
The attack in the early hours of Sunday morning at Orlando nightclub ‘Pulse’ saw gunman Omar Mateen open fire on partygoers, killing at least 50 and injuring many more.
The ‘Pulse’ club in Orlando is a gay venue which was hosting a party to celebrate LGBT Pride month. The gunman’s father Seddique Mateen said his son had become “very angry” after seeing two men kissing in Miami.
An FBI spokesman has said Mateen announced an allegiance with terror group IS in a phonecall made shortly before the attack, but no further links to the group have been established.
Demonstrations of solidarity in cities across the world are being planned this evening [Monday 13] and throughout the week:
Glasgow Monday 13 6pm and Saturday 18 June 10pm
Edinburgh on Wednesday 15 June, 7pm
Aberdeen University LGBTQ+ society are holding a minute’s silence in the city’s Cheerz Bar, Monday 13
Dumfries Monday 13 , 6pm
“Americans woke up this morning with the all-too-familiar feeling of incomprehension at another act of mass violence, and LGBTQ Americans awoke with the sickening, all-too-familiar feeling of fear that our community has once again been attacked.” Ed Murray, Mayor of Seattle
Colin Macfarlane, director of LGBT charity Stonewall Scotland, commented on social media: “Hatred can’t be allowed to win. In remembering those lost let us walk tall and be proud of who we are.”
The openly gay mayor of Seattle, Ed Murray, told those gathered at a candlelit vigil in the city last night that the LGBTQ community “must not give in to despair” despite the “pain, anger and disbelief”.
In a statement Murray said: “Americans woke up this morning with the all-too-familiar feeling of incomprehension at another act of mass violence, and LGBTQ Americans awoke with the sickening, all-too-familiar feeling of fear that our community has once again been attacked.”
US president Barrack Obama said in an address to the nation: “This is an especially heartbreaking day for all our friends – our fellow Americans – who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender"
"The shooter targeted a nightclub where people came together to be with friends, to dance and to sing, and to live."
The gunman Mateen was shot dead by police after he took hostages in the nightclub.
Picture courtesy of krytof
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