Houstonians gather to honor Orlando victims

ByLauren Lea KTRK logo
Monday, June 13, 2016
Dozens gather for prayer vigil in Hermann Park
A large crowd gathered in Hermann Park Sunday evening to honor the victims of the Orlando shooting.

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Dozens of Houstonians came together to find strength in each other at a vigil for the Orlando shooting victims on Sunday night. Hermann Park was at the heart of those grieving, and through songs and tears came healing and hope.

"50 people who I didn't know but were part of my community were killed and they were killed for exact reasons that I could be killed or my congregation could be killed, or people I love," explained Lura Groen, who is a pastor at a Lutheran Church.

She lead a prayer for peace, with hope of a less violent tomorrow. Friends and strangers comforted one another.

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Mourners observe a moment of silence during a vigil for victims of a fatal shooting at an Orlando nightclub, Sunday, June 12, 2016, in Atlanta.
David Goldman/AP Photo

"No longer are we going to be sad," explained Kim Frederick, on the verge of tears. "We are going to make sure change comes of this. I've had it. I've had it with the guns and the hate and the rhetoric against LGBT people or any people. It has to end."

Separated by thousands of miles, everyone at the vigil stands united with Orlando.

"These acts of violence have to stop. I think people are just tired and I think our voices need to be heard," explained Dan McCommis.