KC becomes a rainbow city to support Orlando shooting victims

Kansas City Mayor Sly James issued a heartfelt plea to Kansas City to transform into a “rainbow city” on Monday and wear rainbow colors in support of the Orlando, Fla., shooting victims. The city is answering the call.

At least 50 people died and more than 50 others were hurt Sunday after 29-year-old Omar Mateen opened fire in the Pulse nightclub, a gay club in Orlando, police say. President Barack Obama called it “an act of terror and hate.”

James kicked off the day with a photo of himself sporting a rainbow bow tie.

People applauded his tweet and shared photos of themselves in rainbow garb.

The shooting comes in the middle of Gay Pride Month, a chance to celebrate the LGBTQ community.

The staff at Grinders Pizza in Kansas City has flown a rainbow flag outside the restaurant every day this month. General manager Lisa Schwemin-Cline said the shooting made an impact on her staff and customers.

“We have a good LGBTQ clientele and staff,” Schwemin-Cline said. “It touched home with everybody here.”

Fellow manager Ria Kourri shared the sentiment and added that fear must be coursing through the LGBT community.

“My first reaction was, ‘It could happen here.’ Gay clubs are a safe place, and it’s horrible to take that haven away. For a lot of young people it’s a place to go and be yourself.”

Other signs of remembrance can be found throughout the city, as well. Flags are flying at half-staff, and the Bond Bridge remains lighted in rainbow colors.

This story was originally published June 13, 2016 at 1:09 PM with the headline "KC becomes a rainbow city to support Orlando shooting victims."