Governor Brown, Mayor Garcetti, Anti-Violence Groups Condemn Orlando Shooter
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The mass murder in Orlando was condemned Sunday by people from all walks of life.
California's political leaders, community activists and anti-violence organizations were quick to add their names and voices to condemn the shooter.
Governor Jerry Brown said in a statement, "Anne and I were deeply saddened to learn of this absolutely senseless shooting and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families. We stand with the people of Orlando and the entire LGBTQ community in solidarity against these acts of hatred."
The governor said Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff in recognition of the victims and their families.
IMAGES: West Hollywood Reflects On Tragedy In Orlando
The group Women Against Gun Violence issued the following statement:
"Thoughts and prayers are inadequate band-aids for the anguish and heartache this massacre has brought. We pledge ourselves to tolerance and ending the scourge of gun violence that is tearing apart our communities. It is hatred and bigotry, combined with an unchecked gun culture, that together are the lethal weapons of mass destruction against our society."
Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck tweeted the following:
"Today's tragedy contradicts our country's values. #Angelenos, please remain vigilant as we stand with the victims and City of #Orlando."
LA County Sheriff Jim McDonnell's office issued the following statement"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families of this horrific attack which occurred in Orlando early this morning. While there are no specific or credible threats received by law enforcement for the greater Los Angeles area, our personnel maintain a heightened state of situational awareness and remain vigilant in the protection of our communities."
CAIR (the Council on American Islamic Relations) held a 1:45 p.m. news conference Sunday with CAIR members along with LGBT activists. The Mayor of Garden Grove also spoke along with a member of the Anaheim City Council. The group announced plans for a candlelight vigil at 6:30 p.m. at 305 E 4th St in Santa Ana.
CAIR's Executive Director, Hussam Ayloush, wrote a statement that said:
"We condemn this senseless and horrific attack and offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those killed or injured.
"The Muslim community joins our fellow Americans in repudiating anyone or any group that would claim to justify or excuse such an appalling act of
violence."
Los Angeles City Prosecutor Mike Feuer issued the following:
"As we celebrate the amazing progress that has been made for LGBTQ rights ... we are devastated by the horrific news from Orlando -- many killed,
dozens injured, countless lives shattered in one of the deadliest mass shootings in American history. Vehement homophobia and transphobia still exist, and while we continue to raise our voices and march to change hearts, minds and laws, we must also do a better job of keeping the 300 million guns in our country away from people who should not have them. Across our country, it's a matter of life and death."
"In our national sorrow, in our solidarity with our fellow Americans in the LGTBQ community, there is so much we can do—as a nation of laws—to prevent future gun tragedies. It's critical to remember that all too often our mourning is the manifestation of our failures to prevent tragedy," said Peter Ambler, Director, Americans for Responsible Solutions. "We have background checks that work to stop gun sales to criminals at gun stores, but we tolerate loopholes that allow millions of gun sales to occur every year with no background check at all. We know guns in the hands of domestic abusers increases the risk an abuse victim will be murdered by 500 percent -- and is how over half of mass shootings begin -- but Congress drags its feet. We prevent suspected terrorists from boarding airplanes, but we allow them to legally purchase guns. And more. It's on us. We will mourn. But we should also use our voices to call for responsibility and safety, and we should vote our commitment to these core American values."
"In the past year alone we've witnessed deadly shootings in schools, churches, movie theaters, military recruiting centers, government facilities, and even on live TV," said Robyn Thomas, Executive Director of the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. "Now, we face the deadliest mass shooting in American history, with over 100 people shot in a single attack. This is not a record anyone wanted to see broken, but violence at such a large scale was inevitable given the permissiveness of gun laws in America. It's far too easy for those who intend to do harm—whether they're terrorists, bigots, domestic abusers, or dangerously mentally ill—to get their hands on guns. Our hearts go out to the victims of this incomprehensible tragedy and to the LGBTQ community, and we vow to keep fighting for the smart gun laws that we know save lives."
A GoFundMe account has been set up to held the families of the victims. Click here for more information.