Gay Croydon North MP Steve Reed is among thousands of Londoners paying tribute to those tragically killed in the Orlando massacre in the early hours of Sunday morning.
At least 49 people died when Omar Mateen brutally opened fire in Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, shortly after 2am on Sunday June 12.
Manteen also took victims hostage for three hours until a SWAT team entered and shot him.
The victims ranged from 18-50, with many in their 20s and 30s.
Labour and Co-op MP Mr Reed expressed condolences before standing in solidarity with the LGBT community in London.
Shocked by horrific attack on LGBT nightclub in Orlando FLA, thoughts with those who lost loved ones, how do we stop such hatred
— Steve Reed (@SteveReedMP) June 12, 2016
Britain’s LGBT communities held a vigil in Old Compton Street in Soho on Monday night where thousands waved rainbow flags in unity.
London stands with Orlando – proud to join the vigil in Soho #WeAreOrlando pic.twitter.com/Fo03uSfpQz
— Steve Reed (@SteveReedMP) June 13, 2016
New Mayor of London Sadiq Khan was also among the crowds paying his respects.
Thousands of Londoners stand shoulder to shoulder with Orlando and #LGBT+ people everywhere #OrlandoVigil #lovewins pic.twitter.com/WnecuOK7YD
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) June 13, 2016
The pride flag was flown at half-mast from City Hall and across the city.
In the wake of the attack Lambeth council cabinet members met at the Olive Morris House in Brixton at 1pm yesterday to fly the LGBT rainbow flag at half-mast in tribute
Lambeth Council leader Lib Peck said: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this senseless violence.
“We stand united with our LGBT communities in the face of this appalling homophobic attack – and loudly reject those who wish to sow hatred and division.”
In 1999, Lambeth itself was a target of a homophobic attack when a nail bomb was let off in Brixton, as well as two other locations in London.
Carshalton and Wallington MP Tom Brake expressed his thoughts in a tweet.
Heartbroken at pointless slaughter in #Orlando this weekend. In difficult times we must unite not divide.
— Tom Brake (@thomasbrake) June 13, 2016
Merton Council, that has a prominent LGBT forum, paid its respects to America’s most-deadly mass shooting in modern history.
Council leader Stephen Alambritis said: “We are all very deeply shocked by the events in Orlando, Florida.
“All our thoughts and all our prayers are with everyone in the community affected by this horrific shooting.”
Cabinet member for community safety, engagement and equalities, Edith Macauley MBE, said: “It is a terrible thing to happen.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder with the LGBT people in the United States and around the world at this awful time.”
Communities everywhere joined forces to pay their respects with a minutes silence.
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Image courtesy of Sadiq Khan via Twitter, with thanks
