Long procession of funerals begins for Orlando nightclub shooting victims

People show their support for Javier Jorge-Reyes, killed at Pulse nightclub

(Image credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

last updated 17 June 2016

The memorial services for the 49 people murdered at Pulse nightclub in Orlando began Wednesday night, with a visitation for Javier Jorge-Reyes, 40. On Thursday, funerals were held for Kimberly Morris, 37; Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, 20; Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, 36; and Juan Ramon Guerrero, 22. On Friday, friends and loved ones will bury Anthony Luis Laureano Disla, 25. The funerals are expected to continue for two weeks, both large public ceremonies and small, private services.

The medical examiner's office began releasing the bodies after the autopsies were completed on Tuesday, and the same day, local citizens concerned about funeral protests by Westboro Baptist Church and other anti-LGBT groups formed a group called Human Chain to monitor the funerals. Hundreds of volunteers showed up to guard the Jorge-Reyes service, the Orlando Sentinel reports. Authorities have warned mourners to be cautious, and at least one minister was advised to wear a bulletproof vest. Some of the victims, aged 18 to 50, will be flown to Puerto Rico for burial.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.

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