Prayers for Orlando: Vigil in Milwaukee scheduled for Monday evening at City Hall



MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has announced a vigil in Milwaukee Monday, June 13th to honor the 49 people who lost their lives during a mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida on Sunday, June 12th.

The vigil will be held at City Hall, at Water and Wells at 7:00 p.m.

A brief program and moment of silence will take place at 7:30 p.m.

Those with the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center will join with Mayor Barrett and other organizations hosting this vigil.

"(June 12th) will be remembered as a tragic day not only for the LGBT community, but for the entire nation," said Karen Gotzler, Milwaukee LGBT Community Center executive director in a statement issued to FOX6 News.  "We must pause to mourn those who have had their lives impacted so tragically and stand together against senseless violence that attempts to tear communities down."

According to that statement, following the shooting, the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center began offering free crisis counseling at PrideFest on the Summerfest grounds in Milwaukee on Sunday.

Crisis counseling services will continue this week at the LGBT Community Center between noon and 7:00 p.m. The center is located downtown in the Blatz complex at 1110 N. Market Street, 2nd Floor, and counselors can be reached by calling (414) 271-2656.

"Traumatic events like these can reverberate throughout the community as we reflect on the losses and question our own safety," said Gotzler.  "Individuals must be sure to take care of their own mental health. We're here to help. Please do not hesitate to reach out for it."