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.
Praying for Orlando @nbcwashington #PrayersForOrlando #PrayForPeace #DC pic.twitter.com/FfMGVXwzFv
— Andrew Tomasello (@AndrewTomasello) June 13, 2016
Singing the National Anthem outside the White House #PrayersForOrlando #PrayForPeace #nohatejustlove @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/bj8wKtnglB
— Andrew Tomasello (@AndrewTomasello) June 13, 2016
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.
Tribute to #OrlandoShooting victims at US Capitol & DC Gay Men Chorus sings. https://t.co/u9YfqedGyw
— Shomari Stone (@shomaristone) June 13, 2016
NEW: People pay tribute to the #OrlandoShooting victims outside the #WhiteHouse. @nbcwashington #OrlandoStrong pic.twitter.com/l8T0kS7py8
— Shomari Stone (@shomaristone) June 13, 2016
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.
