Locals Gather In Wilton Manors To Remember Victims In Orlando Massacre
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WILTON MANORS (CBSMiami) -- Locals in several South Florida communities came together to remember the victims of the worst mass shooting in U.S. history.
Hundreds of people from the LGBT community gathered in Wilton Manors hours after a gunman killed 50 and injured more in a gay night club in Orlando.
"It's part of the community so the anger and the shock that goes with it is I don't know. What are we on par for next," said attendee Ed Kieth.
"We're still hurting. We're still trying to feel where we are in this whole situation. We're still angry," said attendee Dean Trantalis.
"It's sad I thought as a country we were beyond this and we'd be able to get past all this - you know - animosity," said attendee Robert Mazur.
Related: 50 Dead, 53 Injured After Shooting At Orlando Nightclub
Local leaders like Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz led the vigil.
"Today we are all LGBT," said Wasserman Schultz. "This act was designed specifically to knock us off-balance and we will not be knocked off our balance. We will remain steady. We will remain focused. We will remain vigilant."
Many of those who spoke at the vigil preached messages of love and hope especially in a month that celebrates LGBT pride.
"Regardless of what you or I believe our test now is to simply grieve for those who died. To hope for those who are fighting for their lives," said Rev. Dr. Robert Griffin.
Security was a top priority. Broward Sheriff's deputies assisted Wilton Manors Police Department Sunday - a unit who says you can expect beefed up security for Pride Month events happening next week.
"We've had collaborated our efforts with our partners - federal, state and local - and we continue to evaluate this plan moving forward for the continued security as well as the added security," said Wilton Manors Police Commander Gary Blocker.
Attendees said despite the recent attack, they won't be deterred and plan on going on with the festivities as planned.
"We're not going to stop what we're doing. We're going to keep going exactly what we're doing," said attendee Scott Bennett.
