TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- With Tallahassee being just hours away from Orlando, a large crowd gathered at Lake Ella to reflect on the tragedy at Pulse.
The Tallahassee LGBT Greek Council hosted a vigil alongside a number of other organizations. Mayor Andrew Gillum and other elected officials attended as well.
While the identities of the victims were coming to light, attendees said it didn't matter if they knew the victims -- but that it was more important to show support.
"It was an act of violence, and I think that these things happen because they try to silence us," said Christy Temples. "They want us to go away, and as a community, we can't. We have to stand up. I mean, you have two choices: live in fear or you stand up -- and we have to. We don't have a choice."
"Many folks in Tallahassee know someone in Orlando. Many of us have been to this club," said Andy Janecek. "This was supposed to be a night for these folks to just have a good time."
"I can only say we love you. We support you. We grieve you," Carla McClellan said, reading a poem she wrote. "Your life mattered. Your life may be over, but the memories remain. You did not die in vain."
"We don't know all the details yet, but we do know this -- that hate will not win," said Gillum. "It will not win today. It will not win ever. The emotion of love is much stronger, and unity is much stronger."
Tallahassee will have at least two more vigils scheduled this week to remember the victims of the shooting. The first will be Monday evening at the steps of the old Capitol.
