Bronx vigil honors Orlando victims

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - A vigil on the steps of the Bronx County courthouse included the reading of the names of the 49 victims of the Orlando massacre.

It was a devastating loss, especially for the LGBT and Latino communities. And for some, the grief was very personal. Victim Frankie Jimmy de Jesus Velasquez was the cousin of Audrey de Jesus, who spoke about the tragedy.

A diverse group of more than 200 people came together in a show of support for Orlando and for each other.

Victim Gilberto Silva was a close family friend of Pedro Vazquez, who talked about his loss.

City Council Member Ritchie Torres, the first openly gay elected official in the Bronx, said it could have been him.

Emotions were strong as people laid flowers on the photos of the victims.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. consoled a woman who was overcome with sadness.

Many of the people we spoke with told us they were surprised and encouraged by the turnout and are praying and hoping for an end to hatred and violence, as far away as that may seem right now.