Mona Noriega, chairman and commissioner of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations, also issued a statement: "Today our thoughts and prayers are with the Pulse community, family and friends of those who have been lost, and the entire LGBTQ community who are attempting to make sense of this horrific tragedy. The thoughts and prayers of Chicago will remain with the victims of this attack as they seek comfort and courage in the days ahead." This horrendous violence will only deepen our resolve to continue building a society that values everyone, regardless of who they love. June is a time when all Chicagoans and all Americans proudly celebrate the contributions of our LGBT community. On behalf of the City of Chicago, Amy and I send our deepest condolences to the friends and family members of those who were lost. Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a statement, "Last night's horrifying act of terrorism in Orlando was an attack on our most fundamental values as Americans. Today we are proud of who we are."Ĭhicago-area politicians, organizations and activists spoke out about the incident in its aftermath. This is a society where we love broadly and openly. Whatever the motive, this is a terrible tragedy for LGBT people in Orlando and nationwide, especially as our community celebrates LGBT Pride Month."ĭuring a press conference, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said that, "We are here as Angelinos, as the LGBT community and allies to say we will not shrinking away. For now, our hearts are with the victims, their families and Orlando's LGBT community.
Equality California noted that, "There will be much to say as we all learn more about last night's horrible events in the hours and days to come, and whether last night's victims were targeted because they were LGBT, because they were American or because they were concentrated in one place. The Pride Parade there went forward as scheduled. Pride, according to The Los Angeles Times. They found assault weapons and possible explosives, and the man said he was in town for L.A. Meanwhile, in a likely unrelated case, police in Santa Monica may have averted an attack on pride in Los Angeles, pulling over a man in a car with Indiana plates. The group also claimed credit for the incident, though there has not yet been any confirmation that they did in fact have any part in its planning or execution. Washington Post reported that Mateen called 911 and pledged allegiance to ISIS. The father said he does not believe the motivation was based on his religious beliefs. "And then we were in the men's bathroom and men were kissing each other." He said his son was very upset, and said maybe this is why he went after a gay club.
"In front of my son they are doing that," the son reportedly told his father. MSNBC reported that Mateen's father said his son made angry comments after seeing two men kissing in downtown Miami recently. The big annual Gay Days in Orlando, when tens of thousands of LGBTs come to the city for special events at theme parks such as Walt Disney World and at clubs, had just ended June 6. The night was reportedly Latin Night at the bar.
The place where they were attacked is more than a nightclub it is a place of solidarity and empowerment where people have come together to raise awareness, to speak their minds, and to advocate for their civil rights." His full statement is listed below.Īccording to its website, Pulsewhich has three areas: The Lounge, Ultra Bar and The Adonis Roomhas been open since 2004. The shooter targeted a nightclub where people came together to be with friends, to dance and to sing, and to live. In a statement, President Obama said, "This is an especially heartbreaking day for all our friendsour fellow Americanswho are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. "It appears he was organized and well-prepared," the chief said, adding that the shooter had an assault-type weapon, a handgun and "some type of device on him." At least 11 officers were involved in the shootout, Mina said.
Police shot and killed the Orlando gunman, identified as Omar Siddiqui Mateen, Orlando Police Chief John Mina told reporters. A gay man who had been thrown out of the bar earlier that day was the suspect, but he was never charged. Thirty-two people died as a result of the fire or smoke inhalation. The previous largest mass killing targeting LGBTs occurred June 24, 1973, in New Orleans, at a fire set at the UpStairs Lounge, where many members of the Metropolitan Community Church were gathered. More than 50 people are also reported as injured, and the gunman also died. history, at least 49 people were killed, on June 12, when a gunman opened fire at an Orlando, Florida, LGBT nightclub, Pulse. In what has now become the largest mass shooting in U.S. This article shared 5912 times since Sun Jun 12, 2016