Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Flags flown at half mast to remember Orlando shooting victims

The Taoiseach confirmed the Irish flag will be flown at half mast at Government Buildings and Leinster House as a mark of respect.

IMG_5161 (1) Christina Finn / TheJournal.ie Christina Finn / TheJournal.ie / TheJournal.ie

IMG_5158

THE IRISH FLAG are being flown at half mast at Government Buildings and Leinster House in memory of the victims of the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Florida.

Some 49 people were killed, and more than 50 injured, at Pulse nightclub in Orlando – the worst mass shooting in US history.

The tricolour is also flying at half mast at garda headquarters.

Vigils to honour the victims have been held across the world.

Thousands attended a vigil organised by gay rights organisations and LGBT support groups in Dublin yesterday evening.

Meanwhile, a number of landmarks were lit up in rainbow colours, including the Eiffel Tower in Paris, in a mark of solidarity with the LGBT community.

tower Associated Press Associated Press

Books of condolences are open in a number of locations, including at the Mansion House in Dublin.

The gunman responsible for the massacre, Omar Mateen, was a regular at the gay nightspot, according to US media reports.

FBI chief James Comey said he was “highly confident” Mateen had been “radicalised” while consuming online propaganda and that he had claimed allegiance to the so-called Islamic State during the attack.

Contains reporting from © AFP 2016 

Note: Anyone feeling distressed in the wake of the attack can contact the National LGBT Helpline via www.lgbt.ie or 1890 929 539. 

Read: Gay clubs are a sanctuary when being LGBT could get you killed

Read: Trump says Obama might ‘get the Orlando shooting better than anybody knows’

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

View 117 comments
Close
117 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds