Attorney General Loretta Lynch stated in remarks today that the Department of Justice (DOJ) stands with all members of the Orlando community.
Lynch is in Orlando to meet with investigators and state and local partners on the ground and to support the people of the city and all those who have been affected by the Pulse nightclub tragedy.
Today Lynch met with U.S. Attorney Lee Bentley and his staff and earlier met with some of the family members of those lost and wounded in the attack. Later today she will meet with state and local law enforcement and first responders.
Outlining the DOJ’s commitment Lynch said, “We are providing assistance to first responders and law enforcement officers as they aid in the investigation of this heinous crime. The Department of Justice is making $1 million in emergency funding available to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The state will be able to apply for funds on behalf of Orlando and other affected jurisdictions to cover overtime costs for state and local responders. We will move quickly to make the award as soon as possible. And we are offering emergency counseling resources to first responders to help them deal with the trauma that they too have experienced. Because in their bravery, they shoulder the dangers visited upon us and carry that weight long after the smoke has cleared. We will continue to make any and all resources available to them as this investigation unfolds.”
“The Department of Justice is also determined to do anything we can to help this community heal, recover and become whole again,” continued Lynch. “Our Office for Victims of Crime and the FBI Office for Victim Assistance have already worked with local, state and federal officials and community groups to set up a Family Assistance Center. Service providers are on the ground providing crisis counseling and other critical support and we’re making federal emergency funds and victim compensation funding available to cover family travel expenses, medical and mental health expenses and other costs related to the tragedy. We also have experts in crisis response on the scene to help with both short and long term planning to meet the needs of victims and the community.”
