Hispanic community shows they are ‘Orlando Unido' during vigil

Members of Central Florida’s Hispanic community held candles at a vigil Friday night in honor of the 49 people killed at Pulse nightclub.

The father of Oscar Aracena Montero, a 26-year-old victim of the shooting, attended the vigil with his younger son.

“It’s so painful for us,” said Bienvenido Aracena.

Aracena said his family is still grieving as they work to get Oscar’s body back to the Dominican Republic.

But he said the vigil made him and his family feel like they have a shoulder to lean on.

“We feel pretty good to see all the Hispanic people together,” said Aracena.

Oscar's younger brother said he knows Oscar is in a better place.
"He's in heaven doing good with God," the child said.

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce organized the vigil as a way to speak directly to grieving families, since most of the victims were Hispanic.

The vigil was also for people who survived and are recovering.

Adrian Lopez was at Pulse with his husband, Javier Nava.

Nava came to the vigil in a wheelchair.

“It makes me feel good that a lot of people came and showed their support,” said Lopez.

Organizers asked many to wear white shirts to show they are “Orlando Unido.”

At the end of the vigil, doves were released in the air to honor all the victims.

Cox Media Group