A celebration of gay pride is on-going in Boston this weekend as the deadliest mass shooting in United States history occurred at a gay night club in Orlando, Florida, early Sunday morning.
At least 50 people were killed in the the shooting in Orlando. Officials say 53 others were transported to local hospitals- some with critical injuries.
Boston Pride released a statement on the massacre:
"Boston Pride extends our sympathies to the victims and families of the tragic Orlando nightclub massacre and we stand in unison with the LGBT community of Orlando to condemn this vicious act. Today, at 4 p.m. Boston Pride will hold a moment of silence at the Back Bay Block Party on St. James Avenue and at the Jamaica Plain Block Party on Perkins Street in memory of the victims. Boston Pride is working closely with Boston Police Department to ensure the safety and security of all the patrons of the block parties, which are annual events to celebrate Pride Week."
Security at Boston Pride events has increased in the wake of the event.
The festivities were already especially meaningful this year after Massachusetts lawmakers approved a bill banning discrimination against transgender people.
