Thousands Gather To Honor Orlando Shooting Victims

DENVER (CBS4)- Thousands of people gathered in Cheesman Park for a candlelight vigil on Monday night to honor the shooting victims in Orlando.

They stood in the rain under umbrellas with candles and through tears mourned the victims killed at a gay nightclub over the weekend.

"That we are no less than the person who is next to us. That we are no less than anyone who perished," said one speaker.

Leaders in the LGBT community urged everyone to show their support and not condemn those in the Muslim community.

"We have to rise above the angry rhetoric and stand united as one community," said Dave Montez, Executive Director of One Colorado.

Omar Mateen stormed a gay nightclub early Sunday in Orlando, resulting in the deaths of 49 people and the wounding of 53 more. He died in a gunfight with police.

The FBI said Mateen appeared to be a "homegrown extremist" who espoused support for a jumble of often-conflicting Islamic radical groups. During the attack, he called 911 to profess allegiance to the Islamic State group.

"But it also makes me really proud of my community that there are so many people in support of people across the other side of the United States that we've never even met," said one woman who attended the gathering.

"I think it's important even if you're straight, gay or whatever your sexual preference to show respect," said one man at the gathering.