Vigil honors Orlando shooting victims in downtown Jackson

JACKSON, Tenn — The names of the 49 victims from Sunday’s Orlando nightclub shooting were read aloud while those gathered held candles in their honor Tuesday night outside Jackson’s City Hall.

“Events like these touch everybody in different ways, but this one hit particularly close to home,” event organizer, Drew Baker explained. “For someone to walk into a nightclub, which typically have been safe havens for us, and open fire with an assault weapon and take away 49 of our brothers and sisters, that hurts.”

But with supporters from all walks of life at Tuesday’s vigil, some were still trying to comprehend the tragic events.

“I don’t understand,” Tonya Mason, who attended the event told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News. “I can’t wrap my mind around someone who has that kind of hatred for people they don’t know.”

Meanwhile, others hope it can help bring the community together.

“For hatred, what was meant to divide us has only done the total opposite,” Jackson City Councilman, Ernest Brooks II said. “It’s brought us together and it’s exhibited love throughout our community.”

Around 50 total people attended the vigil.

Those who came said they were glad to see Jackson choose to show their support.