Indy Pride to Hold Vigil for Victims of Orlando Nightclub Shooting

Indy Pride is holding a vigil Sunday evening to honor the victims of the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando that killed 50 people and injured 53 others.

President Obama said Sunday that the shooting, the worst in U.S. history, is being investigated as an act of terrorism.

The Indy Pride vigil begins at 6 p.m. at the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre at 502 N. New Jersey Street. 

The shooting came one day after the LGBTQ community held its annual pride festival.

"Yesterday our community celebrated loudly with the Circle City IN Pride Festival. Today, we reflect on the lives lost in a senseless act of violence in Orlando, Florida. While the details are still being discovered, what we know is that the lives of members of the LGBTQ+ community were lost at Pulse Nightclub," Indy Pride said in a statement.

Many religious groups and elected officials issued statements condemning the violence and in support of the victims and their families and communities.

Gov. Mike Pence directed state flags to be flown at half-staff in commemoration of the victims.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett called for flags in Marion County be flown at half-staff this week.

“Today, Indianapolis mourns yet another act of senseless violence against innocent Americans," Hogsett said in a statement. "When confronted with these far-too-common moments of tragedy, we owe it to the victims and families to honor their lives and reflect on those things we can all do to promote love over hate, and peace over violence."