First it was #PrayforParis, then it was #PrayforBrussels and now, it's #PrayforOrlando. The all-too repetitive moments of violence that continuously happen around the world are becoming routine.
What is now the deadliest mass shooting in America is captivating residents in the Bay Area, and like previous violent shootings, people have already updated their Facebook profiles and shared their condolences using the #PrayforOrlando hashtag.
From Oakland’s Frank Ogawa Plaza to San Francisco’s Castro Street, people are standing in solidarity at vigils and raising money to help victims and family through this difficult time. In San Jose, much like several other places, a rainbow colored flag was raised at half-staff at San Jose City Hall.
“We just felt it was important to gather everybody here at noon, to have a sense of community, to be able to share our grief and to hug each other and try to get over this very tragic time,” Santa Clara County Supervisor Ken Yeager said.
While many are focused on the tragic event, several people are using this mass shooting to voice a need to end violence and place restrictions on gun control.
Other than vigils, hashtags and Facebook profile filters, people who are not in Orlando can support the victims by donating at this GoFoundMe page.
