And for some, the devastating anniversary converging with Pride Month serves as a mission and reminder of the need to continue pushing forward, not only for themselves but for the larger LGBTQ community. Others didn't have time to react.Īmid the trauma, years of recovery and new paths set by survivors and family members of those lost came a sense of community in Orlando that brought people together.
Some tried to escape the packed dance floor as bullets poured from the gunman's rifle. Then came the pops that everyone thought was part of the music. Why Pride matters: We need to celebrate LGBTQ joy this Pride Month. Memorial: On fifth anniversary of Pulse shooting, they come to grieve, reflect and honor lives lost View Gallery: Pulse Nightclub portraits: survivors, first responders and loved ones Survivors of the attack and those who lost loved ones at Pulse nightclub in the early morning hours of June 12, 2016, are still grappling with the trauma of that night – an attack that targeted members of the LGBTQ community during a month dedicated to celebrating acceptance and gay Pride. In a country plagued by gun violence and an almost steady stream of mass shootings, the death toll in Orlando was shocking and thrust the city at the epicenter of conversations about gun control and terrorism. It was the nation's deadliest mass shooting, a uniquely shocking and undesirable mantle that Orlando held for only one year before an attack left 60 dead at a country music festival in Las Vegas. It has been five years since the country woke up to the news 49 people were gunned down in a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida – an attack that ripped away the innocence of a community known for family vacations to Disney World and with it leaving the LGBTQ community on edge during a month of Pride celebrations. Seventy-five homes were damaged.Watch Video: Pulse shooting: Exhibit remembers victims of nightclub shooting The communities are nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, a mountain range that runs hundreds of miles north and south through eastern California. The fire tore through small communities of houses and mobile homes that surround the lake - actually a reservoir - and the Kern River, a popular spot for fishing and whitewater rafting. Jerry Brown (D) declared a state of emergency, freeing up money and resources to fight the fire and to clean up in the aftermath. Cadaver dogs were being brought in Sunday to search for remains. The 58-square-mile fire has killed at least two people, and officials warned that the death toll may rise. “You have these moments where you just want to break down crying and fall apart.” “Most people here, this is all they had,” said Daniel O’Brien, 53, who lost two rental mobile homes. history.Ī ravenous and deadly wildfire in central California has burned 200 homes, many belonging to retirees on fixed incomes with few other possessions. They came two weeks after the nation’s deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. New York’s parade was one of several being held Sunday across the country, along with San Francisco and Chicago.
“What happened in Orlando made me want to come more,” said Restrepo, swathed in a multicolored scarf. She had brushed aside her father’s concerns about security to attend the march for the first time. Elected officials turned out in force, as did presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.Īuthorities had expected a larger-than-usual crowd, and 15-year-old Chelsea Restrepo, of Staten Island, was among the onlookers. An announcer introducing state officials and guests also shouted out, “Love is love! New York is Orlando!” in memory of the 49 people killed in Florida. Some spectators held up orange “We are Orlando” signs, and indications of increased security were everywhere, with armed officers standing by. Rainbow flags were held high along with portraits of the dead as thousands of people marched Sunday in gay pride parades tempered by this month’s massacre at a gay nightclub in Florida.Ĭrowds of onlookers stood a dozen deep along Fifth Avenue for New York City’s parade.