ORLANDO, Fla. — A gay nightclub in Orlando was the scene early Sunday of the worst terror attack in U.S. history since 9/11. At least 50 people were killed at Pulse nightclub and at least 53 people were injured, police say. The gunman who was later identified as Omar Mateen of Ft. Pierce, Florida, was shot and killed by police, CNN reported.
The club was hosting more than 300 patrons late Saturday and into Sunday morning. According to the CNN report, Orlando authorities said they consider the violence an act of domestic terror. The FBI is involved. While investigators are exploring all angles, they “have suggestions the individual has leanings towards (Islamic terrorism), but right now we can’t say definitely,” said Ron Hopper, assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s Orlando bureau.
President Obama was briefed on the Orlando shooting by Lisa Monaco, assistant to the president for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism.
Florida governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency stating, “This is clearly an act of terror.” A hotline has been set up for concerned family members: 407-246-4357.
On hearing of the events in Orlando authorities in San Diego immediately increased police presence in the Hillcrest area. LGBT activist, Nicole Murray Ramirez told LGBT Weekly, “The San Diego mayor and police chief are right on this and immediately increased patrols in the area. They will be meeting with LGBT leaders and club owners early next week to discuss what measures need to be taken.” With Pride coming up there is the fear of copycat incidents said Ramirez who also stated that there will be a vigil Tuesday night at the Hillcrest Rainbow flag.
Reaction to the tragedy across the country has been swift: HRC President Chad Griffin said, “We are devastated by this tragic act of violence, which has reportedly claimed the lives of at least 50 LGBTQ people and allies and injured more than 50 others. We are grieving for the victims and our hearts are broken for their friends, families, and for the entire community. This tragedy has occurred as our community celebrates pride, and now more than ever we must come together as a nation to affirm that love conquers hate.”Griffin added, “We are grateful that President Obama has directed the FBI and other federal agencies to support the investigation of this attack and the LGBTQ community during this time.”
Stuart Milk, co-founder Harvey Milk Foundation issued the following statement, “We send a world of love and prayers to all who are grieving today and to all who will begin the hard journey to recover from untold wounds, both physical and emotional. But our love and prayers are simply not enough. Hate and separation continue to bring forth too much grief, too many stolen lives across the whole world. As we reach out to comfort the Orlando families, and as we support the courage for the injured to heal, may we also have the strength to address and deal with the roots of hatred and separation that target any minority community with violence, anywhere in the world. May we find a way forward to make this act of horrendous violence a commitment to come together and so honor the memories of those who were killed today.”
LGBT Equality Caucus Executive Director Roddy Flynn said, “The entire LGBT Equality Caucus is horrified by the tragic shooting in Orlando. Though details are still emerging, an attack during Pride Month against Pulse, an iconic gathering place for LGBT Floridians, has a particularly insidious impact on our entire community. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragedy.”
Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: “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. For now, our hearts are with the victims, their families and Orlando’s LGBT community. Whatever the motive, this is a terrible tragedy for LGBT people in Orlando and nationwide, especially as our community celebrates LGBT Pride Month.”
Some of us have been saying for over a decade now that Islamist extremists would be on the hunt for LGBT soft targets. This event last evening was a terrorist event and was backed by ISIS, they came out this morning and took responsibility for the terrorist attack.
http://www.infowars.com/islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-orlando-attack/
If you ignore them they won’t leave you alone. The Feminist community seems to be taking that tact lately when they should be the ones most outraged for the degrading treatment Islamic women must endure.
Wake up my LGBT sisters and brothers.
Liz