Thousands of people marched through the Norwegian capital of Oslo this weekend in an LGBTIQ+ solidarity event after a fatal shooting at a local gay bar forced the cancellation of Pride in June.

Organizers said around 70,000 participants, including Norway’s prime minister and other senior lawmakers, formed a sprawling ‘rainbow train’, waving flags and chanting ‘the fight goes on’ through the city .

The LGBTIQ+ solidarity march passed through Oslo’s central nightlife district where on June 25, a man identified as Zaniar Matapour opened fire outside the gay venue London Pub.

The Norwegian citizen killed two men and seriously injured others in the alleged terror attack just hours before the Pride Parade was scheduled to start.

At the time of the shooting, many LGBTIQ+ Norwegians had gathered in the area ahead of the Oslo Pride Parade.

When the police canceled the Pride Parade for security reasons, many defiant Norwegians marched anyway.

Zaniar Matapour remains in detention on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and terrorism.

Oslo street painted in rainbow after fatal shooting at gay bar

Oslo Pride said Saturday’s event was not to replace the original Pride Parade, but to “regain visibility and freedom” in a major show of solidarity with Norway‘s LGBTIQ+ community.

Last week, before the march, local authorities painted the street where the shooting happened, located in the suburb of Rosenkrantz’ Gate, in the colors of the rainbow (above)

@frida.tegner alt er love🌈 #oslopride #pride ♬ This Is Me – Keala Settle & The Greatest Showman Ensemble

Oslo Pride spokesman Dan Bjoerke told Norwegian news agency NTB that the turnout for the solidarity march was “absolutely fantastic”.

“There’s a sea of ​​people out there who will show everyone that love wins,” Bjoerke told NTB.

“We need to have diversity. We need to have a society where people can be allowed to be themselves without fear.

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