Christina Grimmie's Brother Marcus Speaks at Hometown Vigil, Sends Prayers to Orlando Mass Shooting

Friends and family gathered in Marlton, New Jersey

By Lily Harrison Jun 14, 2016 1:26 AMTags
Christina Grimmie, Brother Marcus GrimmieFacebook

Friends and family traveled from near and far to remember the late Christina Grimmie during her hometown vigil.

The mayor, Randy Brown, as well as several of her close friends spoke out about The Voice contestant ‘s love for life, her faith and how her life was tragically cut short.

But it was her brother, Marcus Grimmie, who became emotional when speaking to the crowd about his little "baby sister" and the mass shooting in Orlando over the weekend.

"She loved this town, she loved this state, she loved singing, she loved the Lord and she loved me and she was my baby sister," he began by telling everyone.

"About four miles away from where we were staying, there was a huge tragedy to Orlando, to the LGBT community and to the whole world. I mean, 50 people dead, who knows who is injured. I have no words. All of those people that died and are suffering."

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Adam Levine to Pay for Christina Grimmie's Funeral
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Christina's brother continued to express his gratitude for the overwhelming support he and his family have received, but pointed out that the victims—and family and friends of the victims—of the shooting at Pulse nightclub need prayers as well.

Marcus added, "Adam Levine paid for Christina's funeral. Selena [Gomez] is singing a song and crying [during her concert]. These people didn't have that and we are blessed to. She's in a better place….Thank you to everyone once again. I wish I could elaborate more, you guys didn't know her like I did, so thank you. This is awesome."

And shortly before Marcus took the mic, Mayor Brown told the attendees, "Your heart can be empty because you can't see her or you can be full because of the love you shared. You can remember only that she's gone or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back, or you can do what she would want smile and open your eyes smile love and go on."

Christina was fatally shot Friday night while signing autographs for fans shortly after her Plaza Live concert in Orlando.

The Orlando Police Department confirmed to E! News that 27-year-old Kevin James Loibl was the sole assailant, who subsequently shot and killed himself after Marcus tackled him to the ground.

As of Monday evening, the Plaza Live venue had posted the following message on their marquee: "Remember Christina. Orlando United."