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South Florida Congressional delegation on Orlando shooting

Here are the statements from members of the South Florida Congressional delegation about theshooting in the Orlando nightclub which left 50 dead:

Carlos Curbelo, R-Miami:

"The investigation is just beginning, but early reports suggest that it was an act of terrorism apparently inspired by radical Islam. I thank our brave law enforcement officers and first responders for their efforts. This is a horrific reminder that all Americans are vulnerable to this threat, and that we must come together behind the struggle to contain and defeat terrorist organizations on their own turf. This tragedy is particularly painful because it takes place during LGBT Pride Month. My thoughts and prayers are with the family members of the victims and with many of my constituents who are celebrating Pride Weekend in the Florida Keys." 

Lois Frankel, D-West Palm Beach:

“I am so sad for the Orlando shooting victims and their families. We must all stand together against hatred and violence.”

Alcee Hastings, D-Delray Beach:

“Words cannot express the sadness and sorrow that I feel for the families and friends who lost loved ones in the horrific shooting at Pulse Nightclub.  This tragic act of violence is utterly devastating, and a direct attack on the LGBTQ community as our nation celebrates LGBT Pride Month. While many details are still yet unknown, I stand shoulder-to-shoulder in solidarity with the LGBTQ community and all the people of Orlando.  These senseless acts of violence can never be understood, but we must find strength in knowing that justice will ultimately prevail. I offer my deepest sympathies during this dark hour and stand united in prayer with our nation at this most difficult time.”

Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston:

“This horrific, senseless and heart-wrenching tragedy is an act of evil that defies words. At least fifty people were killed as they went out to enjoy their Saturday night, and instead their families and friends are now mourning their loss. I am sending my thoughts and deepest condolences to their families and friends, and the entire Orlando community. I am deeply grateful for our law enforcement, first responders and health care professionals who were on the scene and are continuing their important investigative and lifesaving work. This tragedy is now the single deadliest mass shooting in American history and in this time of need, I encourage anyone in the Orlando area who is interested in donating blood to visit oneblood.org/donate-now/.”

Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami:

From twitter: "Prayers to the victims of the #OrlandoShooting. May the victims and their families find peace after this senseless act of violence."

Ted Deutch, D-Boca Raton:

"When violence strikes our community, we must stand together in solidarity with those whose lives have been forever changed - fifty families who now have a hole that will never be filled, and over fifty more whose injuries and trauma will affect them from this day forward. After the deadliest mass shooting in American history, I feel so deeply for these families, the city of #Orlando, our state of Florida, and our nation. I stand with the LGBT community this Pride month and whenever members of the community face violence, hatred or discrimination. And I am so grateful for the SWAT team, the police, paramedics and firefighters whose heroic actions saved lives.

"I offer sympathy, prayers and strength. I am sure we all do. But I'm also a Member of Congress, and thoughts and prayers alone are not a sufficient response. Tomorrow, upon our return to Washington, we will be briefed about terror threats and radical Islamic violence. We will strengthen our resolve to defeat ISIS. We will continue to fight terrorism here and around the world.

"But that's not enough. We're mourning the deadliest mass shooting, and the American people expect us to battle terrorism, stand with the LGBT community AND to address the gun violence epidemic that plagues the country. Silence is not an option.

"TOMORROW, when we return to Washington, we should have moment of silence for the victims - immediately followed by a vote to close the loophole that allows people on the terror watch list to buy assault rifles - or any weapon. This isn't politics; it's common sense.

"In the weeks to come, we should not be afraid to ask why, when an AR-15 assault rifle is the one thing that's common to Orlando, San Bernardino and Newtown, we allow these deadly weapons to be freely available? And why every gun purchaser isn't subject to a background check? And why the mental health crisis is't urgently addressed?

"We must fight terrorism. And stand with the LGBT community. And do something to stem the horrific tide of gun violence.

"We must do all of it. Now. For Orlando."

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics/2016/06/south-florida-congressional-delegation-on-orlando-shooting.html