Hundreds gathered for a vigil at the Connecticut State Capitol on Sunday night, standing up against the hate-fueled violence that occurred in Orlando early this morning.
It was hosted by True Colors, the American Muslim Peace Initiative and the Muslim Coalition of Connecticut.
U.S. Representative John Larson, Senator Chris Murphy, State Senator Beth Bye, and Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin were among those speaking on the Capitol steps.
Nearly all at the podium — whether politicians, religious or community leaders — called for an end to the ability for civilians to access military-grade weapons, such as what was used in the mass shooting at Pulse on what was its “Latin Night”. Senator Murphy declared this to be not a time for politics, but a time for “dispassionate” discussion and policy.
The Muslim Coalition of Connecticut on Sunday issued a press release in which the organization said that it “would like to convey our deepest sympathies to those who have lost loved ones in this brutal attack in Orlando, Florida.” They said, “Islam does not allow the killing of innocent civilians. We would like to express our sorrow and solidarity with all Americans in mourning this tragic loss of life.”
