Anderson Cooper’s tribute to Orlando shooting victims: Video praised online

AS A seasoned TV man Anderson Cooper has seen it all. But he struggled to hold it together during a touching tribute to the Pulse victims.

AS A seasoned journalist Anderson Cooper has seen it all.

But the veteran TV man struggled to keep it together on air as he read a touching tribute to the 49 people killed in the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting.

Refusing to name the gunman or even display his picture, Cooper said he wanted to focus the attention of his broadcast on those whose lives were lost.

The seven minute clip featured pictures of those killed along with a brief description about each person.

“In the next two hours we want to try to keep the focus where we think it belongs, on the people whose lives were cut short,” Cooper said.

“They are more than a list of names. They are people who loved and who were loved.”

As the 49-year-old read out the names, his voice noticeably shook and he had to pause several times.

Cooper, who came out as a gay man almost four years ago, earned massive kudos on social media with many praising him for refusing to name the gunman and also for his compassion.

@AC360 @andersoncooper this is so raw & real. I stand with #Orlando

— Ashlee White (@AshleeWhite23) June 14, 2016

@AC360 @janetsomerville @andersoncooper Cooper speaking of "the circle of love" around the 49 victims was magnificent.

— Anne Margaret Daniel (@venetianblonde) June 14, 2016

@AC360 @andersoncooper Thank you for honouring the victims and not glorifying the killer

— Colin C (@WinPropP) June 14, 2016

@AC360 @andersoncooper so glad the LGBT community has your voice during the time of need.

— Chane Miller (@DarwinianTech) June 14, 2016

.@AC360 @andersoncooper You're a beautiful soul, Anderson. Thank you for always reporting the news with such dignity and humanity!

— Julie Rose Wallach (@JulieRWallach) June 14, 2016

Thank you @AC360, I have the utmost respect for you, putting the focus where it belongs: w/ the victims. Great news anchor, even better man.

— Brooke (@bsbb90) June 14, 2016

It also caught the attention of celebrity circles with Will & Grace star Debra Messing praising the newsman.

Thank you @andersoncooper for your humanity. https://t.co/hj2Djf628V

— Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) June 14, 2016

Meanwhile pop singer Lady Gaga also paid an emotional tribute to the victims at a Los Angeles candlelight vigil.

The star read names of the victims and addressed the crowd adding: “You all have been feeling a tremendous range of emotions since we’ve all heard about this horrible, hateful attack on Orlando.”