Wizarding World raises wands in tribute to 22-year-old Orlando shooting victim

Members of every Hogwarts house came together Monday night to honor one Gryffindor.

Luis Vielma, who was a 22-year-old employee at Orlando's Wizarding World of Harry Potter, was one of the victims of this week's devastating Orlando nightclub shooting.

Co-workers and friends of Vielma gathered at the theme park for a Harry Potter-style vigil to honor his tragic death. 

"We are standing here tonight in front of Hogwarts castle raising our wands to honor one of our fallen," said a friend of Vielma's to the crowd. "Tonight we raise our wands to one of the bravest and best Gryffindors the world has ever known. Tonight we raise our wands to Luis Vielma."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

"Tonight we remember someone that created a type of magic that we could never replace," the young woman said, fighting back tears. "So, if you would raise your wands in remembrance to Luis Vielma."

The crowd then raised their wands, a tradition in the Harry Potter world. Vielma's memorial is reminiscent of the somber homage to Albus Dumbledore's death in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Via Giphy

Via Giphy

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling Tweeted that she couldn't stop crying over Vielma's passing.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.