Kalamazoo is no stranger to tragedy in 2016.  Southwest Michigan reacts to the Orlando shooting.

According to organizers,

Join us Monday, June 13th as a community to stand in solidarity with the city of Orlando. We are heartbroken and devastated by the horrific act of violence that occurred at Pulse Nightclub, taking the lives of 50 people. It is a level of violence and hatred that is difficult to comprehend. During such heartbreaking times, it is important to come together and hold one another up. We will gather as one community at Bronson Park at 5:30 to stand with and for the victims and their loved ones and the Orlando community.

Metro is opening after the vigil to serve as a gathering place.

The Orlando Tragedy - How Kalamazoo Reacted

Chief Jeff Hadley of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety released this statement,

No words could adequately express our sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of the Orlando shooting tragedy, the city of Orlando and the Orlando Police Department.

Former Detroit Lion Wide Receiver took to twitter following the tragedy.

Channel 3 had amazing coverage including local reaction over the weekend,

Laurie and Emily Smith, who lost Richard and Tyler in the Kalamazoo shooting in February, sent us a statement saying in part,

"We are in shock and numb again at the continued violence in this country. Each time it rips open the wounds again for us and we relive the nightmare."

The mother and daughter say they're praying for all those involved and go on to say, "All we can say is take one second at a time, breathe, pray, feel the outpouring of love and support from the community and the world and be forever strong."

Bishop Paul J Bradley of the Catholic diocese of Kalamazoo issued the following statement:

I extend our deepest sympathies to the families of those who have been killed, and our prayers for those who are fighting for their lives, even as we ask God's comfort and consolation to the families of all those who have been terrorized. I also invite every member of our Catholic community, along with all the wonderful people of good will in our wider community, even as we are struggling with the sadness of our own recent tragic circumstances, to pray for an end of violence, hatred and intolerance in our society.  With God's grace and guidance, may we choose to live together in harmony and peace.

Possible large scale tragedy avoided thanks to police in California.  A 20-Year-Old Indiana man arrested with 3 assault rifles, lots of ammunition and explosives on his way to the L.A. Pride Festival.

 

 

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