Communities across the country are continuing to gather to show solidarity with Orlando and the LGBT community after at least 49 people were killed in a mass shooting at a gay nightclub early Sunday morning.
More than 50 others were injured in the attack, which is the deadliest shooting in American history and is being investigated as a terrorist attack.
Chapel Hill, Carrboro, UNC and the surrounding communities in Orange County will gather to participate in a “Community Gathering of Solidarity,” according to Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger, at Carrboro Town Commons at six o’clock Tuesday evening.
Hemminger said in a release, “The event will allow us to grieve, to lift one another up and to demonstrate that we are, indeed, stronger when we stand together.”
Rainbow flags are also being flown over Franklin Street this week, Hemminger said, along with the orange gun violence awareness flag being raised at Peace and Justice Plaza.
Hemminger also reiterated her calls following previous shootings for “commonsense gun legislation that respects Second Amendment rights while addressing the sale of automatic rifles to prevent these types of events in the future.”
UNC Chancellor Carol Folt also sent a message to the campus community on Monday.
Folt wrote, “As we come to terms with our own feelings and grief, it’s important we offer our support and reach out with kindness and compassion to our LGBTQ community and everyone affected by this terrible event.”
Folt also encouraged any students who are feeling unsettled to call UNC Counseling and Psychological Services during regular business hours at (919) 966-3658 and after hours students can call (919) 966-2281 for immediate assistance. Faculty and staff are asked to contact the Employee Assistance Program at (877) 314-5841 for support.
Members of the UNC LGBTQ Center will be in attendance at the solidarity event at Carrboro Town Commons Tuesday evening.
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