MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Mourning and defiance across the US following the Orlando massacre

Florida Governor Rick Scott asked for a moment of silence “to mourn the loss of life and pray for those that are still fighting for their life, and pray for all the loved ones.”

Across the United States, reaction to the massacre at a Orlando, Florida gay nightclub ranged from mourning to defiance, as many cities planned vigils and some officials increased security. President Barack Obama ordered US flags at all federal buildings to be flown at half-staff until Thursday, including at the White House and at embassies around the world.

 Florida Governor Rick Scott asked for a moment of silence “to mourn the loss of life and pray for those that are still fighting for their life, and pray for all the loved ones.”

Numerous communities planned vigils, from great cities like New York and San Diego to the tiny resort of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Defiance took the form of pledges to continue with gay pride festivities, which traditionally take place throughout June.

“We will not shrink away. We will not be stuck in our homes. We will not go back into closets. We are out here to march, to celebrate and to mourn” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said, at a news conference at the beginning of the gay pride parade in that city.

“All of our hearts today are with Orlando,” he said.

In Detroit, Police Chief James Craig told a local newspaper that security was “enhanced” at the Motor City Pride festival on Sunday.

Officials in Dallas made a similar announcement, promising to boost police presence in entertainment districts, including in a part of the city with many gay and lesbian establishments.

There were at least two vigils planned in Chicago, and Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner ordered all flags lowered to half staff.

Brian Johnson, CEO of the Chicago-based gay rights organization Equality Illinois, said for many people, an attack at a gay bar has historic and social significance. “If you look back at the lives of the LGBTQ community... we are not a community that had churches to congregate in,” Johnson said.

Officials in Houston, Texas and New York City planned to light their respective city hall buildings with the familiar rainbow colors which represent gay pride.

“Houston is grieving today,” said Mayor Silvester Turner in a statement. “It is past time for us as a country to come together against hatred toward any person or persons based on group affiliation.”

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett called for flags at local government buildings to be flown at half staff.

“May our heavy hearts breed compassion, may our sorrowful prayers bring healing, and may our nation's tears resolve us to action against that 'mindless menace of violence' that continues to plague this country,” Hogsett said