Pennsylvania Officials Show Support For Orlando

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pennsylvania officials released statements Sunday expressing their sympathies and support for Orlando in the wake of a mass shooting that left 50 people dead.

The mass shooting at Pulse, a gay club in Orlando, was the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.

In a statement, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf said he and his wife "join with all Pennsylvanians in mourning the senseless deaths of at least 50 people in Orlando. This is a national tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones, and all Floridians."

He went on to say that his administration, Pennsylvania State Police and the Office of Homeland Security are monitoring the situation in Pennsylvania for any potential threats within the state, adding that public safety is his top priority.

The statement concluded, "We must unite and work together to prevent these horrific acts of violence that are far too frequent in communities and places where residents should feel safe."

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

In a statement released by U.S. Senator Bob Casey, he said, "Today, I'm praying for all those impacted by last night's horrific attack on an LGBT nightclub in Orlando."

Casey said that while an investigation into the shooter's motivation is still ongoing, the shooting was "an act of terror" and an attack on the LGBT community.

Casey also discussed the need for Congress to act on gun violence:

"We must take every step to keep America safe, which means targeting and taking out terrorists while keeping guns out of the wrong hands. It's time for Congress to finally act on gun violence and ban military-style weapons, put limits on clips and magazine sizes, ban those on the terrorist watchlist from purchasing firearms and require background checks on all gun sales. We know that the shooter in Orlando used a high-powered weapon that allowed him to fire a large number of bullets in rapid succession. This shooting is now the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. I will continue to closely monitor developments in the investigation and be briefed by security officials. Earlier this year I met with local law enforcement in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg to discuss the work law enforcement is undertaking to prevent and respond to terror attacks."

County Executive Rich Fitzgerald also released a statement, reading:

"On a day of pride in Pittsburgh, where we celebrate love, solidarity and togetherness, we have mixed emotions because of the tragedy just a few hundred miles away. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their friends and families, and the people of Orlando. This senseless mass shooting only emphasizes the need for us to come to grips with how hatred turns to violence in our country. There is no place for that in our society and we need to work together to address that effect now."

Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto offered his thoughts and prayers on Twitter.

Peduto was scheduled to participate in the Pittsburgh Gay Pride parade Sunday afternoon. The parade halted for a 50-second moment of silence in honor of the 50 victims of the shooting.

In:
• Pennsylvania
• Florida
• Pittsburgh