Bay Area Officials Condemn Orlando Nightclub Massacre As Vigils Honor Victims
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- Police, politicians and leaders of a variety of groups responded Sunday to the massacre early Sunday morning of 50 people at an Orlando gay nightclub as thousands of people gathered in San Francisco to hold a vigil for the victims.
The shooting was first reported by police on Twitter just before 1 a.m. at Pulse nightclub and ended when officers fatally shot the suspected gunman, according to police.
In addition to the fatalities, 53 people were sent to the hospital, police said.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson reiterated in a statement what President Obama said, that the shooting is the nation's worst and that it was an act of terror and hate.
READ MORE: Orlando Nightclub Massacre
San Francisco police said in a statement that they know of no threat to residents and visitors in San Francisco.
But more officers than usual will be at places where people congregate such as shopping centers and the Eureka Valley/Dolores Heights neighborhood and venues where lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgender people get together.
Police will also continue to work with the leaders of the San Francisco Pride event to create a safe and secure event, police said.
San Francisco's Pride event is June 25 and 26. Pride aims to liberate, educate, celebrate gay culture and commemorate gay heritage.
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee said in a statement that the shooting was an "evil act of terror."
"San Francisco stands in solidarity with the community of Orlando and the nation in the aftermath of this terrible day," Lee said in the statement.
"This is a stark reminder that violence still threatens our LGBT community. Senseless acts of violence against innocents, fueled by hate and easy access to deadly firearms, have become all-too frequent. We must continue to work each day to reduce gun violence and ensure every community is safe."
A vigil is scheduled for 8 p.m. tonight at Harvey Milk Plaza at Castro and Market streets in San Francisco to honor and remember the victims of the shooting. Another vigil is scheduled for 8 p.m. in front of Oakland City Hall at 14th and Broadway.
Oakland police said they know of no threat to residents or visitors in Oakland.
San Francisco Supervisor Scott Wiener, who represents residents living in what's commonly considered the Castro neighborhood, said in a statement that we mourn the people who died in Orlando. The Castro is known as San Francisco's main LGBT community.
Wiener asked people to recommit to defeating homophobia and transphobia.
"We mourn today," Wiener said. "And then we fight. We will win, and love will conquer hate."
The San Francisco LGBT Center's Executive Director Rebecca Wolfe said in a statement, "Our hearts are with the LGBTQ and entire Orlando community. Any violence is unacceptable in our society.
"And while our community has made historic strides in acceptance and equality, this tragedy is a painful reminder of the dangers LGBTQ people continue to face every day."
Rolfe's group is co-sponsoring the vigil Sunday night in San Francisco's Harvey Milk Plaza.
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