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Uber offers free rides to LGBT destinations to remember Orlando shooting victims

Deal goes from Friday through Monday
Posted at 4:01 PM, Jun 17, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-17 16:07:04-04

CINCINNATI — In honor of the more than 100 people killed or hurt in Sunday’s attack on a gay nightclub in Orlando, Uber announced Friday it would offer free rides this weekend to and from select LGBTQ destinations in Cincinnati.

Patrons traveling to and from Downtown’s Simon Says Bar or Over-the-Rhine’s Below Zero Lounge, both on Walnut Street, will be transported for free, up to a $20 fare. The discount began at noon on Friday and extends through Monday.

In a statement issued Friday, an Uber official said the ride-share company selected these two destinations because they are “important to the history and culture of the local LGBT community.”

Those who wish to redeem the discount simply need to use the Uber app to request that a driver pick them up or drop them off at either location. The discount is applied automatically.

The discount is to commemorate the 49 people killed and 53 more injured when a gunman armed with an assault-style rifle and a handgun entered Pulse nightclub in Orlando early Sunday morning, June 12, and opened fire and took hostages. The gunman, who police said declared loyalty to terror group ISIL in a 911 call as he was entering the club, was killed in a shootout with law enforcement officers.