San Diego LGBT Center: Community Vigil to Take Place in Hillcrest Monday Night
This morning, Dr. Delores A. Jacobs, chief executive officer of The San Diego LGBT Community Center, responded to the mass shooting in Orlando, Florida.
The investigation in Orlando is still underway, and additional facts will become known in the coming hours and days. At this time, it appears an action of terrorism and hate — carried out in part with an assault weapon — has taken the lives of at least 50 people and injured 53 more in a shooting at Pulse, a popular Orlando LGBT nightclub.
In addition, earlier today law enforcement authorities in Santa Monica, CA found weapons, ammunition and possible explosives in the vehicle of a man who said he was in town for the L.A. Pride festival in West Hollywood. It remains unclear at this time whether or not these events are connected.
The statement below is from Dr. Jacobs.
“We are simply devastated at the news of this horrific loss of life in Orlando. Unfortunately, our LGBT community is far too familiar with violence. This shooting – during LGBT Pride month – is now the deadliest mass shooting in United States history.
“Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their friends and families. This weekend, and over the coming days, our community around the country will hold vigils and other commemorations of support, solidary and strength.”
In light of this tragic event, the San Diego LGBT community and its allies will gather together at The Center, 3909 Centre St., on Monday, June 13 for the San Diego United: #OrlandoStrong rally.
The doors to The Center will open at 6:30pm, with a short program, followed by a candlelit vigil stopping at the Hillcrest Pride Flag and ending at Rich’s nightclub. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join us to stand together and unite in support of all those affected by this tragedy. For more information, call (619) 692-2077.
The Center offers counseling services through its Behavioral Health Services program. To speak with an on-duty counselor or request an appointment, email onduty@thecentersd.org or call (619) 692-2077, ext. 208 on Monday.
For those who would like to donate to support the victims, Equality Florida has set up a victims fund at: www.gofundme.com/