Orlando on Monday remembered the
victims and honored the survivors of last year's shooting at Pulse
nightclub.
Forty-nine people died and dozens were
injured when a lone gunman who claimed allegiance to the so-called
Islamic State opened fire in the gay nightclub. Police killed the
gunman after a three-hour standoff.
According to the
AP, hundreds of people gathered outside Pulse to mark the
one-year anniversary of the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S.
history. At 2:02 AM, the time the shooter began his rampage, the
names of the 49 victims were read aloud.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer was among the
politicians who attended the service.
“I realize that gathering here in
this place, at this hour, is beyond difficult. But I also know that
the strength you've shown over the past year will carry you through
today and in the future,” he said.
Florida Governor Rick Scott ordered
U.S. flags around the state to be flown at half-staff.
An estimated 15,000 people attended a
remembrance in downtown Orlando. The event featured speakers and
music and ended with a reading of the names of the 49 lives cut
short, each represented by a person dressed as an angel.
(Related: Trump's
“never forget” Pulse victims tweet criticized.)