In a show of solidarity with the victims of the mass shooting in Las Vegas and their families, about 200 people came together for a vigil on Oct. 3 in front of the Dr. Phillips Center in downtown Orlando.

  • First United Methodist Church rang bells 59 times
  • Pulse owner called on Orlando to step up for Las Vegas
  • Counselors available on site to lend aid

The heartbreak was clear across many faces as a moment of silence was called for at 7:00 p.m. During the silence, the First United Methodist Church rang their bells 59 times to signify the lives lost from Sunday's massacre in Las Vegas.

“All I could think was, 'Not again,'" said Norman Casiano, a Pulse survivor. He was shot two times on June 12th, 2016. He firmly believes vigils like this helped him find strength.

“Getting shot and not being able to walk at that moment, you know it didn’t seem like there was a lot of light at the end of the tunnel, and seeing the vigils and seeing the people you know showing love from all over the place, including Las Vegas, it swelled my heart," Casiano said.

Casiano was not alone. Many people attending the vigil felt it was their responsibility to show support.

Pulse owner Barbara Poma said it was this community’s time to step up for Las Vegas. She recalled how survivors from 9-11, Sandy Hook and the Boston Bombing came to down to Orlando to help survivors and victim families after Pulse.

A big part of supporting was also making sure everyone in attendance had a shoulder to lean on. Counselors were available for anyone wanting to talk.

“It does help to talk to other people," Casiano said. "You won’t feel, like you don’t really know them, so there is that space where I can just let it all out."

Support Numbers to call:

Orlando United Assistance Center (407) 500-HOPE
Orlando United Counseling (407) 898-0110
Two Spirits Health Center (407) 963-5664

In Person:

The GLBT Center (946 N Mills, Orlando, FL) and The Zebra Coalition (911 N Mills, Orlando, FL) is operating a drop-in service today to assist those in need.
Hispanic Federation will be providing crisis management counseling Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 6900 S Orange Blossom Trail, Second Floor, Orlando, FL.