Lady Gaga Tearfully Calls For An ‘Allegiance Of Love’ In The Wake Of The Orlando Shooting - MTV 

Lady Gaga Tearfully Calls For An ‘Allegiance Of Love’ In The Wake Of The Orlando Shooting

The singer gave a powerful speech at a Los Angeles vigil for the victims of the deadliest mass shooting in American history

On Monday night (June 13), people gathered around the world to mourn the 50 lives lost when a gunman opened fire on a gay nightclub in Orlando early Sunday morning (June 12). Lady Gaga appeared at the vigil in Los Angeles to give a moving speech in tribute to the victims and their grieving families.

Fighting back tears, the “Born This Way” singer called for compassion in the midst of grief. “Tonight I gather humbly with you as a human being in peace and sincerity and commitment and solidarity to take a real moment and mourn the tragic loss of these innocent, beautiful people,” she said. “Let’s all today pledge an allegiance of love to them and their families, who are suffering so deeply.”

Gaga noted the hateful, discriminatory nature of the shooting and its deep effect on LGBTQ communities worldwide: “Like all prejudicial crimes, this is an attack on humanity itself.”

But she also recognized the wide-ranging support of queer people and their allies. “We represent the compassion and loyalty of millions of people around the world that believe in you,” she said. “You are not alone.”

Gaga nodded toward the need to prevent future violence, but focused on the community’s present need for healing. “I hope we race thoughtfully and loudly toward solutions, but tonight and right now, Orlando, we are united with you and we are here to remember.”