Boston Pride Block Parties Honor Orlando Shooting Victims

BOSTON (CBS) — The carnage in Orlando is hitting Boston's LGBT community hard, even as they celebrated Pride weekend.

A downtown block party would normally be a festive affair, and there was certainly dancing and music. But the event had a somber tone as organizer and the crowd observed a moment of silence in honor of the victims of the deadly mass shooting in an Orlando nightclub.

Many people here felt they had to show up on Sunday despite some fear.

"They're targeting you know my community," said Matt O'Reilly who attended the party.  "It's a big thing. I was questioning coming here today, it's just so devastating."

It's a difficult time for the community but Boston Police and the Mayor are promising support, and if need be, protection.

"Particularly this week for pride week for the gay community I know there's a lot of concern," said Boston's Mayor Marty Walsh. "But we're doing everything we can in our city to make sure the gay community feels safe."

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karyn Regal reports