Georgies, Hotel Tides, & Paradise to hold 9 p.m. Sunday vigil
Breech: Joint moment of silence for solidarity and support of Orlando victims
Asbury Park’s venues Georgies, Hotel Tides and Paradise will hold a 9 p.m. candlelight vigil and moment of silence to show solidarity and support for those affected by the tragic mass shooting at an Orlando nightclub early Sunday, resident Connie Breech said.
According to a CNN report by correspondent Wolf Blitzer, the American-born man pledged allegiance to ISIS in a 911 call.
The gunman, Omar Mateen, 29, of Fort Pierce, Florida, was interviewed by the FBI in 2013 and 2014 but was not found to be a threat, according to the FBI, CNN reports.
“We know enough to say this was an act of terror and an act of hate,” President Barack Obama said in an address to the nation from the White House. “As Americans, we are united in grief and outrage and in resolve to defend our people.”
Breech said the all are welcome.
“We’ll do a fundraiser down the road but for now we just want to show support for our brothers and sisters from Orlando and to stand against hate and terrorism.”
Aside from the 50 who lost their lives, the shooter and 53 others remain hospitalized, according to the news report. Mateen carried an assault rifle and a pistol into the packed Pulse club about 2 a.m.
“This is the hardest terrorist threat we’ve ever confronted in the history of this country,” Senator Marco Rubio said in his interview with Blitzer. “This is not some confused or deranged individual, this is a terrorist.”
Orlando officials have called for a state of emergency in order to bring in additional resources to deal with the aftermath and to focus their attention on identifying the victims.
Breech said those who attend one of three vigils are being asked to bring a candle or lighter in order to spark a light of support.
Orlando officials set up a hotline, 407-246-4357, for those searching for family and friends.
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