WA communities join together in solidarity with Orlando community following mass shooting

The Florida rampage is now the worst mass shooting in U.S. history.

Dozens of people in the Tri-Cities joined together in solidarity with the victims and relatives of the Orlando massacre during a candlelight vigil last night at Volunteer Park in Pasco. Participants brought their own candles or glow sticks to the vigil.

PFLAG, which has a branch in Benton-Franklin Counties, released a statement saying, “As details continue to emerge from Orlando, our collective sadness, anger and grief is overwhelming. Our hearts are with those anxiously awaiting word of the safety of their loved ones, or who are already trying to cope with the unbearable loss of innocent lives. We thank the many first responders who saved, and continue to save lives."

Islamic Center of Tri-Cities

The Islamic Center of Tri-Cities released a statement saying in part it "joins the nation in its unconditional condemnation" of the shooting in Orlando. Leaders also asked the Tri-Cities community to stand united against the violence.

"The Islamic Center of Tri-cities joins the nation in its unconditional condemnation of the senseless and horrific violence in Orlando, FL. We stand in solidarity with the nation for peace and harmony for all. We urge the community to stand united against all acts of violence."

State Leadership

Governor Jay Inslee says people are "sickened and shocked" by Sunday morning's shooting which killed at least 50 people and injured more than 50 others at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

The governor, who attended Spokane's pride festival Saturday, said there was no doubt that Sunday was a "day of unimaginable sorrow" for the LGBT community following what he calls an "act of hatred."

Inslee has also encouraged Washington state to lower flags to half-staff, in conjunction with President Obama's request, in order to honor the victims of the shooting.

Oregon's Senator Kate Brown also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff. She released a statement which said in part, "as Oregonians, we share in the pain and mourning reverberating across the United States and world today."