Candlelight vigil held in Dupont Circle for Orlando shooting victims

WASHINGTON - A large crowd of about 200 people gathered at a candlelight vigil in Dupont Circle Monday night to show their support for the victims in the deadly Orlando nightclub shooting that left 49 people dead as well as the LGBT community in Orlando.

The news of what happened in Orlando is still fresh and difficult for many to comprehend. Signs were laid out with the names and ages of the victims killed in the shooting. A heavy police presence was here to keep the area safe and secure.

"It really just saddens me," said one man we spoke with at the vigil. "It's heartbreaking to know something like this could happen in today's world. I just feel really sad for the families, for the friends, for the loved ones, anybody who was connected to this."

Several speakers at the vigil talked about their connection to not only the LGBT community, but of their connection with the Muslim community or the Latino community. They are hoping something good will come out of this tragedy.

"There is going to be a lot of folks out there that is going to radicalize this issue - whether they are going to be pulling towards gun control, whether they are going to be pulling towards terrorism, whether they will be pulling towards gay bashing and homophobia," said another vigil attendee. "What I really want this experience to be like for everyone witnessing this throughout the world is how people come together in times of tragedy."

"Really just thinking collectively as a community how we are broader than a lot of people see us and hopefully that will add a little humanity to the picture," said another.

Not far from here in Logan Circle, a local DJ played music and lit trees with rainbow lighting to show support for the LGBT community.

Vigils are planned throughout the week, not only here in Washington D.C., but also throughout the country. Go to weareorlando.org to find an event in your area.