By now, the shocking headlines have become a numb reality. On Sunday night, a shooter opened fire in a popular LGBT nightclub in Orlando, carrying out the deadliest mass shooting by a lone gunman in U.S. history. Forty-nine victims and the gunman are dead, and 53 are wounded.
The reaction from U.S. lawmakers has been split. Some have claimed solidarity with the LGBT community and mourn the massacre as an act of targeted hate, while others have ignored the location and timing of the killing — which came during Pride month — to focus solely on the religious affiliation of the killer.
Around the world, however, expressions of solidarity at grassroots vigils have one strong message — and it’s spelled out in rainbow.
New York City
In New York City, City Hall and the radio tower of One World Trade center were lit up in rainbow, while the Empire State Building went dark.
Spire of One World Trade Center lit in colors of rainbow in honor of Orlando shooting victims. 📷: @maximusupinNYc pic.twitter.com/xOYmAeR9Vt
— Good Morning America (@GMA) June 13, 2016
Hundreds gathered at the historic Stonewall Inn, the site of the 1969 riots that were the tipping point for the gay liberation movement.
“We came here to make a statement,” Rachel Tiven, CEO of a New York-based LGBT civil rights organization, told ABC News. “Until we are safe from this kind of violence, we simply are not full and equal members of society.”
New Orleans
Supporters gathered on iconic Bourbon Street. Until the Orlando shooting, New Orleans was the site of the deadliest massacre on an LGBT bar — a firebomb attack on the Upstairs Lounge that killed 32.
Portland
Hundreds gathered in front of a Portland dance club to express sympathy and solidarity. Portland Mayor Charlie Hales, wearing a rainbow plaid shirt, told the crowd that on Monday the Oregon Flag on City Hall would be replaced with a Rainbow Flag.
A whole city block full of people at Portland's vigil for Orlando's victims. "We love you Orlando!" pic.twitter.com/ytCJREZuz2
— Sarah Mirk (@sarahmirk) June 13, 2016
A big table of candles, flowers, hopes and prayers from Portland to everyone out there. #PulseShooting pic.twitter.com/WsZZpvjF8s
— Sarah Mirk (@sarahmirk) June 13, 2016
Atlanta
In Atlanta, hundreds turned out for a vigil mourning the victims.
Washington, D.C.
Mourners in the nation’s capital gathered for a candlelight vigil in front of the White House.
California
Marchers and attendants of Los Angeles Pride, already planned for Sunday, showed their support, as did supporters in San Francisco.
Tel Aviv, Israel
City Hall blazed with the colors of the American and Rainbow flags on Sunday night in recognition of the tragedy.
In solidarity with #Orlando #TelAviv City Hall is lit up with the #USA flag and the flag of the #LGBTQ community pic.twitter.com/ULKR0BeR7N
— Mayor of Tel Aviv (@MayorOfTelAviv) June 12, 2016
Australia
Monuments across Australia — from Perth to Brisbane — were lit up in rainbow on Sunday night. In Sydney, the town hall was bright pink, and the Harbour Bridge shone rainbow.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge lit up in the colours of a rainbow. Sending love.#Orlando pic.twitter.com/G2KRBD3btN
— ABC Sydney (@abcsydney) June 13, 2016
Paris
Tonight, the Eiffel tower will be illuminated in rainbow, according to the city’s mayor. Town Hall is draped in both rainbow streamers and American Flags.
Berlin
Mourners gathered in front of the U.S. embassy to remember the victims of the attack.
Madrid
In Madrid, supporters gathered in the Chueca, the city’s gay neighborhood.
Seoul
Supporters gathered in front of the U.S. Embassy.
More vigils are planned for tonight across the world.