Pop star Lady Gaga led a candlelight vigil Monday night for the 49 victims of the Orlando terror attack as thousands of mourners gathered in front of Los Angeles City Hall to pay their last respects to those who lost their lives.
City Hall was lit with rainbow colors as Gaga was joined by representatives from the city’s LGBT community, including speakers from the Los Angeles LGBT Center, the Los Angeles Transgender Advisory Council and the Latino Quality Alliance, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Gaga read the names of the 49 people murdered at Orlando’s gay nightclub Pulse when a gunman who reportedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State opened fire early Sunday morning, also wounding at least 53.
“I can’t help but feel that this level of hatred, like all prejudicial crimes — this is an attack on humanity itself,” Gaga told the audience. “This is an attack on everyone.”
The singer — real name Stefani Germanotta — stood in front of a group of people holding letters that spelled out O-R-L-A-N-D-O.
“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,” Gaga continued. “And let’s all today pledge an allegiance of love to them and their families who are suffering so deeply.”
“They are sons and daughters; they’re fathers and mothers, they are all our brothers and our sisters, 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,” she added. “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 around the world that believe in you. 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.”
The City Hall vigil was just one of several remembrance events held across Southern California on Monday night, according to the Los Angeles Times. The Islamic Center of Southern California reportedly co-hosted an interfaith vigil in Koreatown, while similar vigils were held in front of West Hollywood gay nightclub Micky’s and at the San Diego LGBT Community Center.
Other vigils were held in cities across the county, including in Orlando and in New York City, where Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio reportedly addressed a crowd of thousands in front of the famed Stonewall Inn.
Follow Daniel Nussbaum on Twitter: @dznussbaum
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.