BOSTON (WHDH) - A large crowd gathered on City Hall Plaza Monday evening to honor the victims and survivors of the Orlando shooting at Pulse Nightclub.
“It’s important for the people of Orlando to understand that we stand with them,” said Boston Mayor Marty Walsh.
Walsh was joined by Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and Attorney General Maura Healey. The Boston Police Department and Fire Department commissioners also attended.
“As a member of the LGBT community, the reality is that for so long, people have had to live in fear,” said Healey.
Baker said on Monday the shooting hit close to home, as his brother is gay. He said he spent some time this weekend talking to his brother and his brother’s friends.
“This one is particularly close to home for me,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I said to them, ‘How are you feeling?’ And the answer I got was ‘I spend a lot of time thinking things are getting better and things are improving and then we all discover that there are people who hate because of who we are.”
Songs were sung and speakers addressed the crowd in English and Spanish as people hugged and cried, remembering those lost. Boston Marathon bombing hero Carlos Arredondo was also at the vigil to show support and passed out rainbow flags to those in the crowd.
“It’s just heartbreaking to see that somebody would have so much hate in their heart,” said Father Joe Quinn, one of several Franciscan friars who came to City Hall Plaza.
A condolence book has been set up at City Hall for people to sign before Walsh has it sent to Orlando. City Hall has also been lit up in rainbow lights as a tribute to Orlando.
(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)