NORFOLK, Va. - Hampton Roads Pride held a vigil Sunday evening for the victims in the Orlando nightclub shooting.
The vigil got underway at 8:45 p.m. in the parking lot of WHRO, located at 5200 Hampton Blvd in Norfolk. More than 300 people attended.
Michael Berlucchi, President of Hampton Roads Pride released this statement:
“As we plan our own celebrations of Pride, we were shocked and saddened to wake up to the tragic news this morning of the mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando. This event reminds us that our cause on behalf of justice and equality is as important now as it ever has been. The Fifth Annual Pride Block Party and 28th Annual PrideFest on June 17 and 18 in Norfolk will be safe, secure celebrations of Pride in Hampton Roads. We will gather tonight for a vigil to honor the souls we lost and express solidarity with our LGBT brothers and sisters in Orlando and around the world.”
Berlucchi commented further on the upcoming event saying it draws a lot of positive and negative attention, which is now making organizers reassess their safety plan. Hampton Roads Pride will be meeting with City and Federal law enforcement on Monday to reexamine their security for Pride Festival.
Recent studies show Hampton Roads is in the top 10 largest LGBT communities in the country, making a devastating crime hit very close to home, said Berlucchi.
Check back to WTKR.com for updates on this developing story.
Click here to see all of our coverage on the Orlando nightclub shooting
