Hundreds Attend Local Vigil For Orlando Shooting Victims

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Hundreds of people gathered for a candlelight vigil on Grant Street to mourn the lives lost in the shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

The group stretched a rainbow flag across the street and prayed for the victims and their families.

It was organized by The Pittsburgh Clergy Consortium, and many in the crowd were members of the LGBT community.

"This could have happened anywhere, and it still could," said Philip Ezzo from the North Side. "I feel that by being here, we're making that statement. We're coming together. We're showing support."

People wiped away tears as the names of the victims were read aloud.

"I was emotional, and I was terrified," said a woman named Francesca from Penn Hills. "Just knowing walking down the street just holding my girlfriend's hand is enough for someone to want me dead. That's terrifying."

Just down the street, a makeshift memorial continued to grow Monday night on the sidewalk in front of Pittsburgh's Gay and Lesbian Community Center.

People placed candles, signs and even stuffed animals as a way to mourn the lives lost. One man sat on the sidewalk and prayed next to it.

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Members of City Council, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Mayor Bill Peduto attended the vigil. The Mayor addressed the crowd.

One of the speakers reminded the crowd: "We're all in this together."