Central Valley residents stand in solidarity with victims of Orlando shooting
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- People all across the Central Valley are taking time to remember the shooting victims killed in a gay nightclub in Orlando Sunday.
The horrifying shooting that killed at least 50 people hit home for Cisco Mendez and his partner Terry Story.
The two own FAB, a gay bar and nightclub, in the Tower District.
Business for them Sunday was unusually light.
"I have friends and I know people who would normally be out here but you know there's a lot of sadness right now," Mendez said.
Story says the incident, considered the worst shooting in US history, has sparked serious conversations among local gay bar owners.
"Because it's a situation that can open up for a copy-cat," he said.
Story is already looking at ways he can increase security.
The only thing I see us doing is directing our security," he explained. "There sight will have to extend beyond our walls here."
Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer says his officers will be out patrolling areas near the gay clubs both in the field and watching from police headquarters.
"It's a tragedy that's hard to explain," Dyer said. "It's just to let them know we're there, we're watching to report any suspicious activity and really just to reduce their fear level."
Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims released a statement saying in part: "I am saddened to hear of the tragic event in Orlando," she said. "Report things ahead of time that don't seem right to you. It could be a tip that turns out to save lives."
Theodore Sofianides says he's not going to let the work of a terrorist stop him from living his life.
"We all want to stay alive but at the same time you cannot live in fear," he said.
