Columbus gathers in support of Orlando shooting victims

It was the worst act of terrorism since September 11, 2001, and the worst mass-shooting in the history of the United States.

In the early morning of June 12, American-born Omar Mateen, 29, entered a popular gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida and opened fire on the packed crowd, killing 50 people and leaving another 53 wounded.

Before he did so, he called 911 to pledge his support to ISIS. The Islamic State has since claimed responsibility for the attack.

Mateen was eventually killed by an area SWAT team after a 3 hour standoff at the nightclub.

As people around the nation heard the news yesterday, somber gestures of support towards each other and towards the gay community arose.

In Columbus, LGBTQ advocacy organization Stonewall Columbus held a rally of solidarity at Goodale Park, where hundreds of people gathered on a moment’s notice to pay their respects.

The organization’s flagship event, Pride Fest, is happening this weekend for the 35th year.

“We want people to know that we have a very safe event,” Stonewall Columbus executive director Karla Rothan said. “It’s a family event and we take maximum precautions especially after the bombings in Boston to make sure that our pride is one of the safest in the nation.”

Those who gathered at Goodale Park eventually marched down High Street in a gesture of support to the gay community in Columbus.

Union Café, where the march ended, plans to donate to the families of the victims of Sunday’s tragedy.

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