June 12, 2017

Heartbreaking Images From the One-Year Anniversary Vigil at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando

Forty-nine people were killed and dozens injured in the worst mass shooting in US history.

Survivors and family members of victims gathered for a private vigil at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub early Monday morning to mark the one-year anniversary of the attack there that killed 49 people and injured at least 53 others—the deadliest mass shooting in US history.

Many hundreds more gathered outside the club’s mural-adorned fence to show their support and to remember friends they lost in the massacre. Most of the victims were LGBT people of color.

“What you have endured in the past year seems like something only you can understand,” club owner Barbara Poma told the vigil inside the club, according to the Orlando Sentinel. “Except here tonight, you are surrounded by hundreds of others who are like you.”

The first memorial event at the nightclub open to the public began Monday morning; attendees wore shirts reading, “Spread love, not hate” and “Remember the 49” and were accompanied by comfort dogs. Vigils are planned around the country to mark the event, and the hashtag #OrlandoUnitedDay began trending on Twitter to mark the moment.

Here are some photos and videos from the event:

Forty-nine mourners dressed as angels and holding candles attended the event.

Gerardo Mora / EFE via ZUMA Press

A 36-foot-long, 12-foot-tall mural outside the Pulse nightclub depicts the victims and survivors of the attack—and has become an enduring memorial to the tragedy.

Gerardo Mora / EFE via ZUMA Press 

Gerardo Mora / EFE via ZUMA Press

Gerardo Mora / EFE via ZUMA Press

Gerardo Mora / EFE via ZUMA Press

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That means we're going to have upwards of $350,000, maybe more, to raise in online donations between now and June 30, when our fiscal year ends and we have to get to break-even. And even though there's zero cushion to miss the mark, we won't be all that in your face about our fundraising again until June.

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