‘We Shall Overcome': Vigil Held at White House for Orlando Shooting Victims

The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "We Shall Overcome"

Hundreds of mourners gathered outside the White House Sunday night to honor the 49 people killed when a gunman sprayed a crowd with bullets at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

The vigil began at the U.S. Capitol, where members of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington joined hands in solidarity as they sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "We Shall Overcome."

"It was incredibly moving to me and incredibly encouraging as an LGBT person for me and my friends," said Mary Elizabeth, a Capital Pride participant.

After the choir's solemn performance, dozens walked to the White House for a candlelight vigil. Some simply prayed, while others held signs condemning gun violence and calling on better gun legislation.

One person clutched a sign that read: "Stop Homophobia. Stop Islamaphobia."

The vigil came hours after authorities say 29-year-old Omar Mateen opened fire at Orlando's Pulse nightclub, unloading an AR-15 on clubgoers in the early hours of the morning. Mateen traded fire with a police officer and took clubgoers hostage before a SWAT team shot and killed him.

The massacre left at least 50 people dead, including Mateen, and another 53 wounded in what is now the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.

D.C. police increased security Sunday at Capital Pride festivities.

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