Stand With Orlando Tonight At Grand Army Plaza Unity Vigil

Several politicians and advocacy groups will lead a Unity Vigil tonight at Grand Army Plaza to honor the lives lost in the Orlando. The event takes place tonight, June 14 at 7:30pm.

“While the investigation is ongoing, we cannot ignore that the alleged attacker targeted a gay nightclub,” said Public Advocate Letitia James, who will be among those leading the vigil. “We cannot ignore that he supposedly had an assault-style rifle, weapons that are legal in the United States. We not only stand in unity with Orlando, but we stand ready to take action.”

Last night’s memorial at the iconic Stonewall Inn was attended by thousands, including Mayor Bill de Blasio, Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Police Commissioner Bill Bratton. “We do not accept the notion of any of our leaders sowing hatred and division part in the wake of tragedy. And that means you, Donald Trump,” said the mayor.

In addition to James, the following have announced they will attend: U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, Scott M. Stringer, Senator Kevin Parker, Walter T Mosley, Laurie Cumbo, Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn, The Brooklyn Community Pride Center, Brooklyn Pride, Inc., Muslim Community Network, South Asian Fund for Education, Scholarship & Training, South Asian American Voice, LGBT, Muslim, Hispanic, and anti-gun violence groups.

Two New Yorkers were among the casualties at early Sunday morning at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando. Student Enrique Rios, 25, lived with his grandmother in the Bed-Stuy neighborhood. He was on vacation in Florida when he was killed. In addition, Queens native Shane Tomlinson, 33, was a singer who relocated to Orlando.

The Brooklyn Pride Festival and Parade took place on Saturday, only hours before the events in Orlando.