Florida leaders are offering their words of support after a mass shooting at an Orlando gay club late Saturday night.
The shooting, which took place at Orlando's Pulse nightclub, happened a little after 2 a.m. Police say a gunman with a rifle opened fire on patrons, killing 50 and injuring 53.
Omar Mateen, a U.S. citizen, held clubgoers hostage before police used explosives to enter the building. Law enforcement officers and the shooter exchanged fire, killing the shooter.
Here's how Florida reacted to the news:
Gov. Rick Scott:
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, families and all those affected by this horrific tragedy. We are a strong and resilient state and we will devote every resource available to assist with the shooting in Orlando. Our state emergency operations center is also monitoring this tragic incident. I have been in constant communication with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and state and local law enforcement this morning. I would like to also thank all the first responders who quickly came to assist and help those in need.”
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer:
"Our community experienced a horrific crime today. Our hearts & prayers are with the victims and their families."
Equality Florida:
"We are reeling from the tragic news that a gunman opened fire on the 2am capacity crowd at Pulse leaving 20 people dead and 42 injured according to preliminary reports.
We are heartbroken and angry that senseless violence has once again destroyed lives in our state and in our country.
Gay clubs hold a significant place in LGBTQ history. They were often the only safe gathering place and this horrific act strikes directly at our sense of safety. June commemorates our community standing up to anti-LGBTQ violence at the Stonewall Inn, the nightclub that has become the first LGBTQ site recognized as a national monument.
We have received a steady stream of emails and messages from those seeking to help or to make sense of the senseless. We make no assumptions on motive. We will await the details in tears of sadness and anger. We stand in solidarity and keep our thoughts on all whose lives have been lost or altered forever in this tragedy."
The White House:
"The President was briefed this morning by Lisa Monaco, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, on the tragic shooting in Orlando, Florida. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims. The President asked to receive regular updates as the FBI, and other federal officials, work with the Orlando Police to gather more information, and directed that the federal government provide any assistance necessary to pursue the investigation and support the community."
U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson:
"This morning a gunman shot and killed at least 20 people at a nightclub in Orlando, and injured at least 40 others. Our thoughts and our hearts go out to the victims, their families and the entire Orlando community. Words cannot express the horror, pain, and sadness that we feel about this terrible loss. I commend the Orlando police for their heroic efforts to save the lives of those who could be saved. Local and federal law enforcement are working right now to uncover more information about the motive and other circumstances of the shooting."
Blaise Ingoglia, Republican Party of Florida Chair:
“We are grieved by today’s horrific attack. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and friends of those lost and injured in this mind-numbing and infuriating attack on innocent people in Orlando. We urge everyone in the Orlando area to help by donating blood as well as pray for the emergency room doctors and nurses that deal with the aftermath of another hate-filled, senseless tragedy.”
“Clearly, this is not merely just an attack on the LGBT community in Orlando, Florida, but an attack on America. Together, our nation must stand united against terror and hatred, and not permit prejudice, violence and fear to have the upper hand over the American ideals of compassion, liberty and freedom."
Florida House Democratic Leader Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach
“Orlando is now the victim of America’s most horrific incident of gun violence ever. It’s beyond belief. It makes me mad and it makes me more determined than ever to work to protect all of us from these awful events,” said House Democratic Leader Mark Pafford. “Of course I’m seeing the same initial information coming out about this event as everyone else, but I think it’s important that all of us hold on before we leap to conclusions. It’s time now to hold each other close, reach out to our friends and family who are victims and do what we can to respond constructively.”
This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
