This year marks the seven year anniversary of the mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. 49 people were killed, and another 53 were injured. The shooting was deemed a homophobic hate crime against the LGBTQ+ community, as Pulse was a gay nightclub. 29-year-old Omar Mateen committed the mass shooting before he was shot by police responding to the crime.
This Pride Month, local politicians and allies of the community alike are mourning the loss of lives in the deadly attack, and reminding the nation that there is much room for progress on gun control. Maxwell Frost, the first Gen Z member of congress who represents Florida’s 10th Congressional District, posted a memorial to the victims, and a call to action for his fellow representatives.
On this day in 2016, 49 angels were murdered at Pulse Nightclub by senseless gun violence. Armed bigotry, hate, & homophobia completely devastated our community. Today, we remember their stories & recommit ourselves to honoring their lives with action. I love you, Orlando ????????️????????️⚧️ pic.twitter.com/uPlsvdmVDr
— Maxwell Alejandro Frost (@MaxwellFrostFL) June 12, 2023
President Biden also addressed the anniversary of the shooting today. Today officially marks Pulse Remembrance Day.
Seven years ago today, our nation suffered what was then the deadliest mass shooting in American history. Forty-nine people, predominantly Latino LGBTQI+ people, lost their lives in a senseless act of gun violence.
Today, on Pulse Remembrance Day, Jill and I pray for the…
— President Biden (@POTUS) June 12, 2023
Internet Reactions
While many social media users appreciated the solidarity of several politicians’ posts, others reminded people to continue the push for gun control action in congress.
It’s been 7 years since a gunman opened fire at the Pulse nightclub, killing 49 and wounding 53 more.
Let’s honor their memories with action. We must enact commonsense gun safety laws to keep deadly firearms out of the hands of those with hateful, violent intentions.
— James E. Clyburn (@RepJamesClyburn) June 12, 2023
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Today is the 7th year anniversary of the Pulse Orlando nightclub shooting that took the lives of 49 people. Many are waking up today not only grieving the loss of old friends, family, loved ones- but also the current state of Florida & the many ways leadership has failed us
— I SAID WHAT I SAID (@theericklouis) June 12, 2023
Some shared personal tributes to their loved ones that were lost in the brutal incident. The shooting marked the second most deadly domestic terrorist attack since 9/11.
7 years later and I can still hear your laughs.
7 years later and I can still feel the weight of your arms around my shoulder.
7 years later and a million missed chances to say “I love you.”
7 years since you were stolen at Pulse and goodbye isn’t any easier. pic.twitter.com/gw4a4OYReq
— Brandon Wolf (@bjoewolf) June 12, 2023
In the seven years since the deadly tragedy, there have been hundreds of mass shootings. In recent months, there has additionally been a wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation passing across several states. Amid bans on gender affirming healthcare for minors, bans on drag performers, and restrictions on pronoun usage in schools, this year’s Pulse memorial comes at a time more pivotal than ever for LGBTQ+ rights.
The Memorial
In the several years since the fatal shooting, the local community in Orlando continues to preserve the memory of the many victims. The OnePulse Foundation raises money for scholarships that specifically honor the careers and interests of the victims who tragically lost their lives in the shooting. Additionally, they are currently raising money for a permanent museum that contains artifacts from the heart of the Orlando LGBTQ+ community at Pulse.
Today, locals continue to raise money to support the ongoing museum project.
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The Pulse Angel Wing Pin is available for a VERY LIMITED time. I have 40 left. Once they are gone, they are gone.
$10 of each pin goes directly to OnePulse Foundation.
These will sell out this afternoon, so if you wish for one, get it now:https://t.co/xudKrRZ4sd❤️???????????????????? pic.twitter.com/KT7mrRsD5P
— Orlando Ribbon Project (@orlandoribbons) June 9, 2023
There is currently an interim memorial in place for mourners and allies to visit and honor the victims. The site is open to the public daily from 7:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. The address can be found on the foundation’s website here.
