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Colorado Leaders React To Orlando Massacre, Vigils Planned

DENVER (CBS4) - The massacre at an Orlando nightclub that claimed 50 lives early Sunday is the worst mass shooting in U.S. history and it has prompted Coloradans to show their support.

Gov. John Hickenlooper on Sunday ordered flags be lowered to half-staff immediately to honor the victims of the attacks as proclaimed by President Barack Obama. Flags should be raised on Thursday at sunset.

US-CRIME-SHOOTING
Police stand behind a crime scene tape near the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub on in Orlando, Florida on June 12, 2016. A somber President Barack Obama expressed grief and outrage at the "horrific massacre" of 50 late-night revelers at an Orlando gay club, branding it an act of terror and hate. / AFP / Mandel Ngan (credit: MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images)

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock released a statement regarding the tragedy and will attend a candlelight vigil Sunday evening at Tracks nightclub. Tracks is located in the EXDO Event Center at 3500 Walnut Street in Denver at 8:30 p.m.

"This senseless act of hate against innocent people is a heartbreaking tragedy for the entire nation. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, families and all those affected by this horrific act, and we extend our sincere gratitude to the brave first responders who came to the assistance of all of those in need. Tonight, we will stand together in solidarity with the entire community during this difficult time," Hancock said in the statement.

The vigil was organized by One Colorado and Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne will also be in attendance. Dave Montez, Executive Director of One Colorado released the following statement:

"We are shocked and devastated by the horrible shooting that occurred in Orlando last night and our hearts are with the victims and families who have been impacted by this horrific act of violence targeting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community in Orlando.

"June commemorates Pride month and gay clubs hold a significant place in LGBTQ history. They were often the only safe gathering place for LGBTQ people and this horrific act strikes directly at our sense of safety. We will all continue to work to address the hatred that causes these senseless acts of violence in hopes that something like this never happens again."

RELATED: Coloradans Donate Blood In Honor Of Orlando Massacre Victims

Executive Director of Public Safety Stephanie Y. O'Malley and Denver Police Chief Robert C. White also released a joint statement on the tragic Orlando shooting:

"The shooting that occurred in Orlando is tragic and senseless and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their loved ones, and to the injured officers who responded to this horrible act of violence. The Department of Public Safety is giving due attention to safeguard Denver's annual PrideFest celebration activities and participants, and our officers will continue to work closely with the LGBTQ community to support their safety."

Other Vigils:

Boulder's vigil will be held at Pridehouse, 2132 14th Street at 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Fort Collins will hold a vigil on Monday at 8 p.m. near the stage in Old Town

The University of Denver's Center for Multicultural Excellence is holding a brief, informal gathering for the campus community on Monday at 12: 30 p.m. A moment of silence will be followed by a shout of anger/determination on the Driscoll Green (green space between Asbury and Evans). More details can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/562232173961862.

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