UMD Holds Vigil To Honor Orlando Shooting Victims

More than 100 people came together Monday night to try to comprehend the shooting, and share thoughts on the massacre that has not only rocked the GLBTQ community, but the entire country.

UMD LGBTQ Services Member Erin Olson says, “We want everyone to know that we know it’s a scary time and we just want people to know that you don’t have to be scared and alone, so we want to have a calm discussion, share feelings and things along those lines.”

Organizers of tonight’s vigil say they don’t claim to have all the answers or any answers. This is a time when feeling scared does not mean one needs to feel alone. A moment of silence was held at eight and bells rung out in honor of the 49 victims.

Olson adds, “We’re going to be signing a card for the shooters father, because we can’t imagine what he’s going through right now, so we’re gonna have a card, and we know it’s not his fault, but others think it is, even though there’s nothing that he probably could’ve done.”

Duluth’s Enger Tower was also lit in rainbow colors Monday night to honor the victims. It will be red, white and blue Tuesday for Flag Day, and then back to rainbow colors through Thursday — when U.S. flags return to full staff.