Bell Tolls 49 Times for Slain Victims of Orlando Mass Shooting
Thousands gathered in downtown Orlando Monday evening for a candlelight vigil.
— -- Thousands of people gathered in downtown Orlando Monday evening for a candlelight vigil remembering the 49 victims of Sunday's mass shooting.
During the vigil, a nearby church bell tolled 49 times to mark each life lost.
Prior to the bell tolls, numerous members of the LGBTQ+ community called for peace and love. Others carried photos of victims who were their friends and family members.
Mourners laid flowers, waved rainbow flags, lit candles and shed tears at the vigil, which took place at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
The Orlando Gay Chorus performed shortly after the event commenced at 7 p.m.
"I wasn't expecting as many people. I'm still kind of in shock a little bit," Orlando resident Elizabeth Cortes, 26, told ABC News. "Being here makes it a little more surreal. The turnout is amazing. Like they say, love conquers."
ABC News' Morgan Winsor and Charli James contributed to this report.
