#PulseShooting

This morning in Orlando, a gunman turned a time of celebration, of LGBTQ Pride, into a moment of horror and now grief and mourning. We have witnessed the hatefulness of a few obscenely twist a major faith’s Holy Month away from a time of prayer and spiritual reflection into visiting unspeakable cruelty upon one’s neighbor.

Our reply must be steadfast solidarity with the victims and their families, solidarity with the LGBTQ community, and solidarity with the principles that uphold our nation and every major faith. Principles of peace and mercy, principles of equality and human dignity. So instead of division, let this attack inspire unity and togetherness. Instead of hatred, let this attack inspire love.

Lift up and support the families and friends of the victims, stand with our LGBTQ community and LGBTQ allies, and resolve that the fundamental principles of our nation will endure in our actions towards one another in the coming days and months. They will endure as people of good conscience from every faith, of every sexual orientation, of every background come together as we reaffirm the best in ourselves, our communities, and our people.