Tamara Crevison and Megan Ortiz hold candles during a vigil and call to action at the Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada on Sunday, June 12, 2016, in Las Vegas. The event was a show of solidarity and support after Sunday morning’s mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., where at least 50 patrons were killed and 53 injured.
Published Sunday, June 12, 2016 | 11:40 a.m.
Updated Monday, June 13, 2016 | 12:13 a.m.
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The Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada is holding a prayer vigil tonight at 7 at the organization’s headquarters, 401 S. Maryland Parkway.
The event at the Center is a show of solidarity and support after Sunday morning's mass shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., where at least 50 patrons were killed and 53 injured, numbers that are expected to climb as victims are counted. The suspect, Omar Mateen of Port St. Lucie, Fla., was killed in the attack.
Posted this morning on the Center’s Facebook page was this message:
“Our community this morning woke up to the sickening and sad news of the tragedy at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida. We are sickened by the heinous nature of the shooting. We are saddened because we have lost brothers and sisters who are like ourselves. Our community stands in solidarity with the victims and their families and the entire LGBTQ community.
“As an act of reverence for their lives, in solidarity, our community is coming together tonight at 7 p.m. at The Center to mourn the loss of those who have lost their lives and encourage support of those who are fighting for their lives.”
State Sen. Pat Spearman, D-North Las Vegas, is expected to attend the event.
Also noted on the Center's page is a GoFundMe account launched by Equality Florida, the state’s leading LGBTQ civil rights organization. Money is being raised to help families of the victims of the shooting.
In Reno, officials are dimming the city's iconic arch in tribute to the victims of the shooting.
Mayor Hillary Schieve said the Reno Arch will go dark Sunday night to honor victims and survivors.
A 7 p.m. candlelight vigil also is planned at Build Our Center, a community center for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.
Police Chief Jason Soto said in a statement that his department will work with LGBT community leaders in the coming weeks about any necessary support and protection.
Gov. Brian Sandoval also said "the Nevada family" is standing with Florida and praying for peace and comfort.
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