News

Mourners from around the country visit Pulse memorial

ORLANDO, Fla. — Nearly a month after the terror attack at Pulse, the memorial outside the nightclub continues to grow.

Hundreds of people from all over the country are making it a point to visit the memorial on their vacations.

Investigators said they expect to release the building back to the owner within the next three to five days.

Until then, they said they plan to have officers around the building, which has continued to attract visitors from all over.

Hazmat cleaning crews were at Pulse Wednesday afternoon, cleaning up what’s left of the scene.

While those crews finished cleaning up inside, crowds outside were paying their respects to the 49 victims.

“I’m on the verge of tears honestly,” said Lisa Hulsey, of Georgia.

People from Delaware, North Carolina and Georgia were outside the club Wednesday.

Many took photos, others prayed, and some cried.

Alishia Drennon Cunningham, who is visiting from Delaware, is in town on vacation.

She said she needed to make Pulse part of her visit.

"It's really hard to be out here. It's just like, it's a sadness that is around,” said Cunningham.

Visiting the scenes of tragedies is common.

In fact, there's a term for it--dark tourism.

The dictionary defines it as "tourist travel to areas affected by or associated with disasters or other public tragedies."

"We want to show our condolence, our appreciation for this city,” said Jose Ruvalcavna, who is visiting from North Carolina.

Ruvalcavna brought his son to see the memorial outside Pulse.

He said he wanted to show his son the importance of unity.

“It's hard, but we have to be together. That's what I told my kids,” he said. “Whatever happens, we have to be together. This is the message.”