Wichitans voice support at vigil for Orlando shooting victims

Tears fell, and tissue boxes were freely passed around Sunday night as nearly 60 Wichitans came together to mourn the victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting.

“Our hearts ache for the loss of life,” said the Rev. Carolyn Schwarz, minister of the Pine Valley Christian Church, where a candlelight vigil was held. “Each person lost was a name, had a life.

“We are here to seek solace and to find comfort.”

At least 50 people were killed and another 53 wounded when Omar Mateen stormed a crowded gay nightclub early Sunday in Orlando and began shooting before being killed by SWAT Team officers. According to the New York Times, he had been investigated twice by the FBI for possible connections to terrorism. Mateen, 29, a U.S. citizen whose parents were from Afghanistan, called 911 and reportedly declared allegiance to the Islamic State group just before the attack, the Times said.

Liz Hamor, coordinator with the Gay, Lesbian Straight Education Network of Greater Wichita and who helped organize the vigil, said, “We are here so things like this don’t happen in Wichita.”

News of the shooting affected many Wichitans on Sunday.

The Islamic Society of Wichita issued a statement regarding the brutal attack, saying: “Along with our fellow Americans, the Islamic Society of Wichita condemns the hateful act of violence in Orlando, Florida. In this holy month of Ramadan, we will be offering special prayers for the victims and their families. As people of faith, we stand unified against acts of terrorism and violence and will continue our work to defend all people against hatred and brutality.

“We urge local Muslims to consider donating to the Islamic Center of North America (ICNA) Orlando Shooting Victims Fund and to donate blood for the victims of this heinous act.”

Jackie Carter, pastor at the First Metropolitan Community Church, was on vacation Sunday out of the state but issued a statement that was read at the vigil.

“I am sorry that I am not with you today. ... This is what I want you to know. Today is a sad day for all of humanity and especially members of the LGBT community. ... God is weeping today with us. ... Haters will find new ways to hate. You and I are called to love. We must continue to tell our story of love and must continue to work for justice and equality.”

Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsay attended the vigil and also offered words of support.

“I, too, have been touched by today’s events,” Ramsay said. “We are here to support you, and we are here to keep you safe.”

Ramsay was also concerned about how the aftermath of the shooting might play out.

“I am concerned about the polarization and have reached out to the Islamic community. I am worried about them.”

All across the state, Kansans reacted Sunday with shock, disbelief and sadness to news of the mass shooting, the deadliest in U.S. history.

“Heartbreaking doesn’t begin to describe this tragedy,” said Thomas Witt, executive director of Equality Kansas, an advocacy group based in Wichita.

A spokeswoman in Gov. Sam Brownback’s office said the governor was planning to order the lowering of flags across Kansas.

News of the shootings hit the Wichita gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community especially hard.

“As far as we think we have come, we have not come far enough, and we are still not safe,” said Patrick Munz, a longtime community activist.

Brad Thomison, owner of Club Boomerang, a local LGBT nightclub, said it was shocking to see this type of violence and senseless hate.

“We often want to believe we are further ahead than we actually may be,” Thomison said. “These acts of violence show there is still work to be done and still a need for our active participation and political process regarding standing up for what is right for other people and ourselves.

“We have to take a moment and pause for the mourning and hurt. It is a powerful reminder to love the people around you.”

This story was originally published June 12, 2016 at 5:26 PM with the headline "Wichitans voice support at vigil for Orlando shooting victims."