What to Know
- A gunman with an assault rifle and handgun opened fire inside a packed gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, early Sunday, killing at least 49
- One victim is Kimberly "KJ" Morris, 37. The Torrington moved to Orlando just months ago and had taken a job at the nightclub as a bouncer.
- Learn more about the victims through their bios.
Torrington residents will gather tonight to remember a native and 48 other people who were killed in the massacre at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida early Sunday morning.
The vigil at 5 p.m. in Coe Park will honor the memory of all the victims, including Kimberly “K.J.” Morris, a 1996 graduate of Torrington High School who played basketball all four years.
“I am saddened by the senseless act of violence which took place over the weekend in Orlando, Florida. This tragedy hit close to home for many Torrington residents upon hearing that one of the victims, 37 year old Kimberly Morris, known as KJ, grew up in our community. This loss of life, any loss of life, is heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Kimberly Morris, and all others who have been affected by this unspeakable act,” Torrington mayor Elinor Carbone said in a statement on Monday.
There have been several vigils across the state. Last night, LGBTQ supports gathered in Enfield to honor the people killed in the shooting and some of the people who attended knew Morris.
Morris lived in Northampton, Massachusetts for about a decade, where she worked at the gay club, Divas, as a drag king and bouncer and that is how Larry Tav knew her.
“She was an amazing performer and an amazing person, from what I know, and she was very close with a lot of friends of mine,” Tav said.
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Morris lived in Northampton, Massachusetts for about a decade, where she worked at the gay club, Divas, as a drag king and bouncer and that is how Larry Tav knew her.
“She was an amazing performer and an amazing person, from what I know, and she was very close with a lot of friends of mine,” Tav said.
Patrick Denning often goes to the club, but came home early and attended the Enfield vigil.
“It’s probably one of the hardest things that any of us will ever have to do in our lives – to say goodbye to friends whose lives ended so tragically and so soon,” he said.
