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LGBT gun rights group sees spike in membership following Orlando shooting

Posted at 9:56 PM, Jun 17, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-18 01:45:33-04

Following the Orlando shooting that killed 49 people inside a gay nightclub, a national gun rights organization with an Arizona chapter sees a big spike.

Organizers from the Pink Pistols Valley of the Sun Chapter say they have seen their membership spike one third of their original size since Sunday.

The group honors diversity and practices self-defense and training. They meet up several times a year.

Some members say the Orlando shooting most likely brought the issue to light that they must be in charge of their own protection.

“I have to defend myself at all times, anything I do at work, shopping, if I go to my car, I have to be extra careful, because I'm part of the LGBT community,” said one of the original members Markia Baker.

The group plans several days at shooting ranges through Meetup.com and their Facebook page.