Local community lifts candles, voices following shooting at gay club in Orlando

People gathered outside Club Q for a candlelight vigil for the victims of the Orlando Shooting.

At least 50 people were killed early Sunday morning and 53 were injured at Pulse nightclub, a gay club in Orlando. The shooter, Omar Mateen, died when police stormed into the club.

While the tragedy happened thousands of miles away, people outside of Club Q said they feel the community’s pain.

Owner NicGrzecka said several of his friends planned to go to Club Q on Saturday night but changed their minds. Grzecka saw the news when he woke up in the morning and said it was heartbreaking.

“I can’t even imagine as a club-goer or a club owner the devastating effects of this kind of terrorism,” said Grzecka.

Grzecka said gay clubs are so much more than clubs for the LGBTQ community. He said they are a place where people meet friends, partners and people they can identify with. Vigil attendee AJ Bridgewater agreed, and said that’s why this violence at a club cuts deep.

“It’s just scary, you never know what will happen. You go out to these places because they are community. These places are really so much about drinking, it’s about community and having fun with friends but that can go in a day, you never know,” said Bridgewater.

Club Q hosted a drag show Sunday evening and some of the proceeds went to Orlando.