Anderson Cooper fights back tears in tribute to Orlando victims

ORLANDO, Fla. (KABC) -- CNN anchor Anderson Cooper fought back tears, visibly shaken up as he paid tribute to the 49 victims who were killed in the Orlando gay nightclub massacre over the weekend.

His emotional report on the Florida shooting had him trending on Twitter and Facebook Tuesday morning.

"They are more than a list of names. They are people who loved and who were loved," Cooper stated.

You can hear his voice overwhelmed with emotion and even breaking up in parts as he talked about the men and women who died so tragically.

At the beginning of the broadcast, Cooper made it a point that he would not air the name or photo of the man who attacked the LGBTQ nightclub.

Instead, he said he wanted to keep the focus where it belongs - on the people whose lives were cut short.

The 49-year-old anchor came out as a gay man just four years ago next month.

His powerful tribute lasted seven minutes, with Cooper repeatedly pausing to regain composure.

Viewers across the nation, including celebrities, took to social media to praise his report.

Kristin Chenoweth thanked him for not showing the shooter's face.

Debra Messing tweeted "Thank you, Anderson Cooper, for your humanity."

The segment aired just after the last of the victims were identified, and Cooper shared heartfelt stories about each, as their picture and names were shared on the screen.