HOUSTON – For the hundreds of people who showed up downtown in front of Houston City Hall Wednesday night, it was all about the victims of Orlando. Members of the LGBTQ community turned out in solidarity with city leaders and others after this weekend's senseless tragedy.
"We say 'no' to anyone who would seek to divide the citizens in this city," declared Mayor Sylvester Turner.
But even with their focus on Orlando, thoughts also drifted to security, in particular, safety at next weekend's Houston Pride Parade. Concern comes after a threatening tweet promising a massive shooting at the event. Many of the people who lit candles at the vigiil Wednesday night will be marching on that Saturday. They say the community cannot let the threat scare them.
"Showing up sends a message that we are not afraid," says vigil attendee Justin Garcia. "We cannot be afraid to show who we are."
And most pledge that after 37 years, threats of hate will not put a stop to this year's event.
'We're gonna stand together and we are going to show that we're here," says Carlos Salas.
"We're here, we're queer so get used to it," adds Garcia.
Organizers of the pride parade say they are working with HPD which has officers investigating the threat.
The City Hall building will be lit with LGBT pride colors in the evening hours through June 26, the last day of Houston’s Pride weekend.