Prior to the vigil, a total of 17 angels — one for each life taken in the attack — lined the stage of the Pines Trail Amphitheatre as throngs of people descended on the park to pay their respects and celebrate the lives of those who died at the hands of Nikolas Cruz.
Students & parents gathering at Pine Trails Park as they lay flowers near the symbolic 17 angels. Vigil tonight at 6pm. #StonemanShooting#Parkland@nbc6pic.twitter.com/thtfZ0Nqps
Thousands of people in attendance in Parkland at a vigil for the victims of yesterday's school shooting at Stoneman Douglas. pic.twitter.com/IgkKroKBuL
While many attended the vigils to mourn or offer words of encouragement, others took a political approach, calling for a change in legislation concerning gun ownership and acquisition.
As time passed and the sun set, attendees joined together in a candlelight vigil to demonstrate community support as the names of the 17 victims killed were read aloud by Marjory Stone Douglas High School's senior class president.