Vigil Set for Victims of Orlando Mass Shooting

A vigil is set for 6 p.m. Monday on the steps of Old Main at Penn State to honor the victims of the terrorist attack early Sunday morning in Orlando, Fla.

Members of the Penn State and local community will “Stand in Solidarity with Orlando” and remember those whose lives were lost. The event will include several speakers as well as a moment of silence to honor those who were killed or injured at the gay nightclub that was attacked early Sunday morning.

‘We are all deeply saddened by the atrocity in Orlando, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families,’ said Penn State President Eric Barron. ‘We join with the Penn State LGBTQ family in denouncing this senseless act of violence. As our community comes together in vigil at the steps of Old Main this evening, we stand together as one Penn State, committed to a vision of mutual respect and inclusion.’

The Penn State LGBTQA Student Resource Center is coordinating the event with the Commission on LGBTQ Equity, Counseling and Psychological Services, LGBTQA Student Resource Center, Muslim Student Association, Office of the President, Pasquerilla Spiritual Center, Paul Robeson Cultural Center, the Social Justice Coalition and Student Affairs, and the Centre LGBTQA Support Network.

Student organizer Brian Davis said he wanted to bring the Penn State community together around this tragedy.

A vigil is also being organized for 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Allen Street Gates

In a statement on Sunday, the university’s Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Equity expressed resolve to support equality and safety.

‘The President’s Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Equity extends our thoughts, prayers, condolences and support to the victims and their families in the wake of the mass shooting that occurred at the Pulse Orlando nightclub in the early hours of Sunday morning,’ the statement read. ‘In the light of such horrific violence, we remain resolved and undeterred in our struggle for equality and in creating a more welcoming environment for all Penn Staters. The LGBTQ community stands ready to meet such acts with stronger activism and resolve until we ensure the equality and dignity of every member of our community. As information becomes available about the victims, we will undoubtedly learn of members of our Penn State community that have been touched by this violence. We stand ready to support members of our Penn State community in need of assistance.’