Orlando’s mayor, religious leaders, and residents gathered at First Baptist Church Tuesday evening to pray for those impacted by the deadly nightclub shooting.
The message to the world was about unity, strength, love, and support. The prayer service lasted about an hour and a half.
A man who witnessed the shooting at Pulse nightclub and a doctor who helped treat patients attended the service.
Sunday morning Omar Mateen went on a shooting rampage at the club, killing 49 people and injuring 53 others. It was the worst mass shooting the country’s history.
"It's so horrendous and it's senseless to have all those beautiful young people murdered and shot," Marilyn Howser said.
"We believe there is power in prayer and we believe that Orlando is a very beautiful place to live and it has been invaded,” Howser continued.
Mayor Buddy Dyer said Sunday's shooting was not going to define Orlando or the people who live here.
"We tend to think that time heals all wounds, but really through prayer God puts that inner peace, that supernatural peace in every single one of us," Rosa Hernandez said.
Mayor Dyer said they are opening a family assisted center at Camping World Stadium to help the families of the victims with services like funeral arrangements and counseling.
"It's terrible to see what one person’s hatred can do to affect so many people," Brittany Reeder said.
