 Several LGBT and human rights organizations sponsored Hands Across Hawthorne in response to the attack. With the purpose of linking hands across the entire span of the Hawthorne Bridge, more than 4,000 people attended the rally, even though it was only publicized by a single Facebook page just 72 hours prior. Forkner, Rosevear, Mayor Adams, and other community leaders spoke at the rally. The event received attention throughout the United States, and Instinct magazine acknowledged Portland's ability to gather a crowd of 4,000 in support of the LGBT community despite rainy weather. On June 5, residents of Spokane, Washington, held a similar hand-holding rally called "Hands Across Monroe", crossing the Monroe Street Bridge in Riverfront Park.
