Wilmington shows support after Orlando nightclub shooting

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — As the nation mourns the lives lost in this morning’s shooting, folks here in Wilmington gathered to show support for Orlando and say they will not live in fear.

“I woke up and the first thing I do is look at my phone and I just had a slew of notifications from the live updates and it was just heartbreaking to see all of it unfolding out in my notifications,” said James Bowers.

Folks took to the streets of Wilmington carrying signs, flags, and candles in a vigil to show support for the 50 lives lost in the Orlando nightclub shooting.

“We’re Americans, we’re human beings. Our brothers and sisters in Florida were shot dead and it was a tragedy. Not just a tragedy it was the worst shooting in America’s history,” said Jamie Price.

“It hurt my heart I guess is the best way I can describe it. I felt like it was a personal attack on me and my wife and my family. Because if you attack one of us, you’re attacking all of us,” said Debbie Hockaday.

Speakers promised support to those who need it most and asked those gathered to help bring hope to the friends and families grieving.

“Just stand together and let each other know that we are one in this community,” said Price.

Some said although Orlando is hundreds of miles from the Port City, this shooting still scares them.

“For me personally, my friends had invited me out last night and I didn’t go. I was like no I’ll have a night in and you think about stuff like that and it’s like that could have been me and it’s just really sad and it made me very angry,” said Taylor White.

But many said they will not live in fear and will instead stand up to put an end to these tragedies.