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Last night, City Hall hosted a vigil for the victims of Sunday morning's horrific mass shooting at a gay bar in Orlando.
An estimated 2,000 people showed up to show their solidarity with the victims of the shooting at Pulse and their grieving community, the Los Angeles Times reports. The Gay Men's Chorus LA performed "True Colors." Lorri L. Jean, chief executive of the Los Angeles LGBT center, called for an examination of the homegrown homophobic hate behind the act of violence. Rabbi Denise L. Eger of West Hollywood told the crowd, "We must mourn those amazing, precious souls in Orlando." And Lady Gaga made a surprise appearance to give a teary, heartfelt speech:
Lady Gaga told the crowd gathered:
"I can't help but feel that this level of hatred, like all prejudicial crimes, this is an attack on humanity itself. This is an attack on everyone. "Tonight I gather humbly with you as a human being in peace and sincerity, in commitment and solidarity, to take a real moment and mourn the tragic loss of these innocent, beautiful people. Let's all today pledge an allegiance of love to them and to their families who are suffering so deeply."
"But tonight I will not allow my anger and outrage over this attack to overshadow our need to honor those who are grieving truly for their lost ones. Lost members of the LGBT community. I hope you know that myself and so many are your allies. Not only me, but everyone here. We represent the compassion and the loyalty of millions of people that believe in you. You are not alone. You are not alone.
"Tomorrow I hope that we all race thoughtfully and loudly toward solutions. But tonight and right now, Orlando we are united with you. And we are here to remember."
Lady Gaga and thousands attend vigil at LA City Hall. "This is an attack on humanity itself" https://t.co/WYcG92b96yhttps://t.co/8JyVGTVH4g
— ABC News (@ABC) June 14, 2016
She waved a rainbow flag out the window of her car as she rode around town:
Here are a few more photos from the scene:
Sign at Orlando victims rally outside City Hall... pic.twitter.com/dLDw0YTbp8
— Jason Song (@byjsong) June 14, 2016
City hall vigil in Los Angeles to remember the victims of the shooting in Orlando @NU34LA pic.twitter.com/5DKbUoIjlN
— Oswaldo Borraez (@oborraez) June 14, 2016