J.K. Rowling Remembers Wizarding World of Harry Potter Employee Who Died in Orlando Shooting

"I can't stop crying," the author wrote

By Francesca Bacardi Jun 13, 2016 12:26 PMTags
Luis Velma, J.K. Rowling, OrlandoTwitter

J.K. Rowling is feeling the Orlando tragedy across the pond.

The Harry Potter author turned to Twitter early Monday to share that a Wizarding World of Harry Potter employee was one of the victims named in the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando. "Luis Vielma worked on the Harry Potter ride at Universal. He was 22 years old. I can't stop crying. #Orlando," she tweeted.

The attack on Pulse, a popular gay bar in Florida, was deemed the worst mass shooting in U.S. history. Many celebrities turned to social media to express their feelings about the tragic event. Fifty people, including the gunman, were killed, and more than 20 remain hospitalized from injuries.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this morning's tragedy," Tom Williams, chairman, Universal Parks & Resorts, said in a statement. "We stand ready to help our community in any way we can."

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Celebs React to Orlando Nightclub Attack, the Deadliest Mass Shooting in U.S. History
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"We stand with the people of Orlando who have endured a terrible attack on this city," President Barack Obama told reporters in a speech given after news broke of the attack. "Although it's still early in the investigation, we know enough to say this is an act of terror and an act of hate."

"I am absolutely heartbroken for my hometown and the families/loved ones of the victims and all of those affected," tweeted singer and actress Mandy Moore, who grew up in the Orlando area.

The shooting took place only one day after The Voice alum and YouTube star Christina Grimmie was shot and killed by a different assailant while performing in Orlando. Police said the two attacks were not related. Celebrities including Josh Groban, Kim Kardashian, Matt Bomer, Ariel Winter and Ariana Grande reacted to Grimmie's death and the nightclub attack on various platforms.

Groban tweeted, "I'm heartbroken for the victims, for Orlando, for the LGBT community, for our country. When does it end?"

"My heart goes out to all those affected by this terrible tragedy in Orlando," wrote Matt Bomer. "There are no words. Sending love and prayers."

Ahead of the 2016 Tony Awards Sunday night, producers said the show would be dedicated to the families of those who died in Orlando.

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