Macon residents react to Orlando shooting: We need love

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – 41NBC’s Alexa Rodriguez spoke to two Macon residents about the Orlando shooting that killed at least 49 people and injured 53 others.

They both said they felt shock when they first heard the news and are now in disbelief.

They agree love and being around others is going to help them get through this difficult time.

“There’s no place in America for hate. There just isn’t,” said Bentley Hudgins.

The Mercer University student is still trying to understand why someone would walk into a nightclub and start shooting people.

“It was pride in Orlando and it was at a gay bar. For those who don’t understand how sacred that is for some people, you’ve never been afraid to hold hands with the person you love in public,” said Hudgins.

Hudgins said when it was officially labeled as a hate crime, he felt that was obvious.

“Duh. I mean, he did it with a gun. People do it with their words every day,” said Hudgins.

Macon resident Michael Stewart felt the official ruling didn’t make a big difference either.

“To me, it made no sense. Label it a hate crime, label it terrorism, label it whatever you want to label it. It doesn’t help define or quantify what happened,” explained Stewart.

Stewart said the number of victims is what shocked him the most.

“This could have been my friends. This could have been my family. It could have been me. In a whole different age. 20 years ago, I would have been at that bar,” said Stewart.

Stewart is ready to revisit the discussions most mass shootings open up.

“I support anybody’s right to have a gun, but I need someone to help me understand why we need assault rifles,” said Stewart.

Hudgins and Stewart believe spreading love will help them sort through their emotions.

“In times like this you love harder not because you want to, but because you have to. To understand that in the face of senseless chaos, and this hatred, and this violence, there’s no meaning to it,” explained Hudgins.

Hudgins organized a vigil for Monday night at the stone terrace in Tattnall Square Park in Macon.

It starts at 8 p.m.

There will be a candle lighting, music and a prayer during the sunset ceremony.

Middle Georgia State will host a vigil this Saturday, June 18 at Rosa Parks Square at 7 p.m.