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'Hug Each Other' Reno Mayor Tells Crowd At Vigil To Honor Orlando Victims

Mourners wept and lit candles at a vigil in Reno Sunday held to honor the victims of the mass shooting in Orlando over the weekend.

Several hundred gathered outside Our Center, the newly opened LGBT community space for Northern Nevada.

Among those who spoke was Mayor Hillary Schieve.

"Right now, it is just having that moment of silence, really remembering the victims, showing that this is a community that's strong and resilient," she said. "But it's important for Reno to do this to show support nationwide."

Our Center president Jerome Manke says the tragedy underlines the need to continue the push for equality.

"It is vitally important that we stand together," Manke said. "Together against this kind of senseless violence, committed against LGBT people, and to not allow ourselves to be lulled into complacency regarding our rights and place in society."

Abdul Barghouthi of the Northern Nevada Muslim Community Center closed the vigil, urging the crowd not to give into revenge, phobias or bigotry.

Another interfaith unity service will be held Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the Northern Nevada HOPES clinic on West 5th Street.

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