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Muslim Leaders Speak Out Against Orlando Tragedy

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- In response to the deadly attack in Orlando, Maryland Muslims are speaking out against the massacre.

Marcus Washington has reaction from Muslim leaders and from a person who knew one of the victims.

What happened in Orlando that Sunday morning has certainly touched the hearts of many people right here in Baltimore. There will be a vigil to pray and celebrate the loves of the victims Monday night at 7.

The massacre that took place inside a gay night club in Orlando has left the world in shock.

"How do you come in a place of happiness, a place of celebration, a place to have fun and just shoot?" said Kevin Holt.

Holt is the 2016 Baltimore King of Pride and says when he heard the news, he called everyone he knew in Orlando, including his friend Christina.

"I texted her and texted her and texted her and no response," Holt said.

Holt says his biggest fear became reality Sunday night with one phone call.

"I found out last night from her aunt that she was in the building and she got shot," he said.

With the massacre inside the gay club in Orlando being tied to ISIS and even the Muslim faith, many people within the gay community right here in Baltimore say their anger is not aimed at Muslims because they know that vicious attack is not part of the Muslim faith.

"This is personally for myself. I cannot sit here and say I am going to have hatred towards somebody," Holt said.

"This type of behavior is not representative of Islam in any shape, fashion or form," said Muslim advocate Bilal Ali.

Monday morning, Maryland Muslim leaders gathered to denounce the actions of the shooter that left dozens dead and even more injured.

"Homophobia and Islamophobia are interconnected systems of oppression. We cannot champion the rights of one community and ignore or remain silent on another," said Zainab Chaudra, Council on American Islamic Relations.

"The result of these attacks should be love and unity and coming together of the American people." said Imam Michael Smith, Islamic Society of Annapolis.

It's that support that Holt says makes him confident that love will overpower the hateful act of one man.

"I'm not going to let something like this distract our celebration of who we are in this city," Holt said.

"And the only way to stop hate is with love and unity," Smith said.

At Monday morning's Maryland Muslim Leaders press conference, it was announced that more than $35,000 has been raised since the attack; the money will go to the victims in Orlando and their families.

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