Mayor Sly James calls for rainbow day in KC to honor Orlando shooting victims
Mayor Sly James wants to turn Kansas City into a rainbow city in support of the Orlando, Fla., shooting victims, and he wants others to join him in donning rainbow colors Monday.
Spread the word on this and other social media and let's make #KansasCity a #rainbowcity on Monday https://t.co/D4PFmzcMI8
— Mayor Sly James (@MayorSlyJames) June 12, 2016
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.
Many people in the LBGT community in Missouri, Kansas and across the nation reacted with horror at the shooting. June is Pride Month, and Kansas City held its festival on the first weekend.
The Bond Bridge will remain lighted in rainbow colors as a show of support for the Orlando victims, James tweeted Sunday.
The Bond Bridge will remain lit in rainbow colors in solidarity with #Orlando #KansasCity #stopthehate
— Mayor Sly James (@MayorSlyJames) June 12, 2016
The Kansas City Anti-Violence Project said in a statement Sunday: “KCAVP is devastated to hear of the mass shooting at Pulse, an LGBTQ club in Orlando, last night. We mourn those who have died and send our condolences to their loved ones. The LGBTQ community nationwide is heartbroken right now.”
James’ gesture drew appreciation on social media.
“@MayorSlyJames This gay Kansas Citian thanks you for your compassion and solidarity. It really means so much,” one person wrote.
Katherine Knott: 816-234-4907, @Knott_Katherine
This story was originally published June 12, 2016 at 8:33 PM with the headline "Mayor Sly James calls for rainbow day in KC to honor Orlando shooting victims."