‘When There is Hate, We in the City of Chicago Bring Love': Hundreds Gather for Vigil to Remember Victims of Orlando Shooting

The large group, which included Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, flocked to Halsted Street for the vigil that became as much a rally as it was a somber remembrance

“If ever there was a year to wave the rainbow flag, this is it,” said Staceyann Chin. 

It was that cry that led to a thunderous applause in Chicago’s Boystown neighborhood Monday evening as hundreds gathered in support of the city’s LGBT community and to remember the victims massacred at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida over the weekend.

The large group, which included Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, flocked to Halsted Street for the vigil that became as much a rally as it was a somber remembrance to honor those killed in what has been deemed the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.

“When there is hate, we in the city of Chicago bring love,” Emanuel said.

The Chicago group lit candles in honor of each of the 49 victims, many mourning the heartbreaking loss while hoping the tragedy will also fuel change.

“Please take time to remember the victims and families in Orlando by recommitting to a peaceful dialogue where we can all live together in a free society,” said Ald. Tom Tunney of Chicago’s 44th Ward.

David Sotomayor, whose cousin was killed in the massacre, said he is touched by the support in the wake of such loss.

“It’s just so overwhelming,” he said. “And so amazing.”

The vigil comes as preparations continue for pride festivities in Chicago.

Chicago police have already increased patrols in the Boystown, Lakeview and Lincoln Park neighborhoods and will continue to monitor the situation moving forward. Organizers for the Pride Parade had previously planned to add an additional 160 off-duty officers at the parade’s expense.

“We’re not going to let one person or one group, whether ISIS or anybody else, put our community down,” said organizer Richard Pfeiffer.

Contact Us