(Photo by Jeffrey Morris)

As Pride weekend came to a close, hundreds came out to the White House and the U.S. Capitol last night to mourn the victims of the deadliest mass shooting in the country’s history.

The attack on Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, left 50 dead and 53 injured. The shooter’s father told NBC News that the shooting stemmed from an incident a few months ago when his son “saw two men kissing in Miami” and became enraged.

President Barack Obama called it a “brutal murder, a horrific massacre,” saying: “The shooter targeted a nightclub where people came together to be with friends, to dance and to sing, and to live. The place where they were attacked is more than a nightclub—it is a place of solidarity and empowerment where people have come together to raise awareness, to speak their minds, and to advocate for their civil rights.

After Saturday’s parade, Pride continued on Sunday with the annual festival and concert, but with increased security, heavy hearts, and a renewed sense of the events’ importance.

Surrounded by signs and flickering candles last night, the Gay Men’s Chorus led the crowd in singing “We Shall Overcome,” “This Little Light of Mine,” and “The Star Spangled Banner” outside the White House, where the flags were at half mast.

Another vigil is planned for this evening at Dupont Circle, hosted by the Muslim American Women’s Policy Forum, and participants are encouraged to bring candles and wear black. There is also one planned for Wednesday, hosted by the DC Center.

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