Thousands attend Atlanta vigil to mourn Orlando victims

ATLANTA — Two days after a gunman opened fire inside an Orlando nightclub, killing 49 and wounding more than 50 more, hundreds of people from across metro Atlanta gathered to honor those who died.

The names of each of the victims of the Orlando massacre were read aloud on the doorstep of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in downtown Atlanta, where hundreds of people like Vanessa Rose and her wife gathered to reflect and send a message.%

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“We can't live in fear for the rest of our lives,” Rose said.

A bell rang for each of the 49 killed in Pulse nightclub. It was an emotional night as Atlanta residents shouted that they and Orlando are one and will not become victims of terror and hate.

"We cannot let death define us we cannot let people define who we are. We will not go back into the closet and hide," said Moises Prado.

With song and signs of unity, those who came to show support also made a call to action to not let this be the end.

"Prayers are great. The work starts after the 'amen,'" said Vivian Sanchez, who said she feels for the families in Orlando and was at the vigil to show that they are not alone.

"If anything like that were to actually happen to them, I can't even imagine the pain I would feel. So I just came out to show my support," Sanchez said.

“We all need to come together as one,” Rose said.

Parents learn of son's death on the way to Atlanta

Shane Tomlinson was a talented singer who had performed just hours before the shooting at Pulse nightclub.

Two days later, his death has left a void in his parents' hearts.

"That's my baby, and I won't see him again. Ever. And my heart is broken. It will never heal. It's never gonna heal. It will never be the same," said mother Corliss Tomlinson.

The 33-year-old's parents were on their way to visit family in Atlanta when they got a text message that said he was in the club Sunday morning.

"I knew in my heart there was something very, very wrong. I knew it," Corliss Tomlinson said.

They soon learned he was among the 49 people shot and killed by Omar Mateen.

But for Tomlinson's family they're only thinking about the vibrant and beloved son who was taken from them.

“It's important that you know that Shane really loved everybody, and I think that shows with the outpouring that he’s got so far,” father Stephen Tomlinson said.

Tomlinson's friend Jessica Servi said it is important that she bring a picture of him to the memorial in downtown Orlando.

"To show his face to the world and have him be remembered as an amazing person and a talented performer," Servi said.

Tuesday evening a rainbow appeared directly over Pulse nightclub as the Tomlinson family leans on their faith during this time of tragedy.

"According to my faith I'm supposed to believe for the best and hope for the positive. I'm trying really, really hard," Stephen Tomlinson said.

Cox Media Group