50 Shot Dead in Orlando Nightclub Shooting

Today, the deadliest mass-shooting in U.S. history took place. Early this morning at Pulse – an LGBT nightclub in Orlando, Florida – gunman Omar Mateen open fired on the unsuspecting crowd, killing 50 people and wounding at least 53 before being fatally shot by responding police. While details are still emerging, we do know that ISIS has claimed responsibility for the act via its Amaq news agency. President Obama called the mass shooting an “act of terror” in a statement from the White House briefing room:

“We know enough to say this was an act of terror and an act of hate,” he said. “The FBI is appropriately investigating this as an act of terror. We will go wherever the facts lead us … What is clear is he was a person filled with hatred.”

Clubs and music-related events in general are supposed to be sanctuaries; places of safety, love, and peace. Today, our hearts are heavy – such a cowardly act takes place far too much in this country. In 2015 alone there were more mass shootings than days of the year. Something clearly needs to change. Read more about the tragedy here and join us in sending our prayers and thoughts to the families and victims affected by this unspeakable act of terror.

50 Shot Dead in Orlando Nightclub Shooting