JACKSON, Miss.- Since the news came out of a mass shooting at a gay nightclub, Pulse, in Orlando Florida on Sunday, Mississippians have been gathering to honor the lives and memory of those lost.
It was the largest mass shooting in the history of the United States. Omar Mateen walked into a crowded Orlando night club with a rifle and hand gun and slayed 49 people, while injuring at least 53.
Mateen was killed on sight by police after holding the rest of the attendees hostage.
Since the victims families have been notified, organizations in Mississippi are gathering people together to hold candlelight vigils to honor the victims in this horrific crime.
Monday in Biloxi at 7:00p.m. Mississippi Rising Coalition, CAYA, Mississippi Rainbow Center, HRC, and Lighthouse Community Church plan to join together and invite anyone to attend a candlelight vigil on the beach in front of the Biloxi Lighthouse.
“We felt it was important for the LGBT Community to come together in support of the victims in Orlando,” said President and Founder of Mississippi Rising Coalition Lea Campbell.
“The flames are basically honoring each and every victim, but also symbolizing that the light of love conquers hate.”