Washington, D.C. — Center for American Progress President and CEO Neera Tanden issued the following statement on the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida:
The heinous terrorist attack on the Pulse nightclub in Orlando is the deadliest mass shooting in American history. The victims, the injured, the families of the victims, the first responders, and the thousands of traumatized survivors are in our thoughts and prayers. But we also know that thoughts and prayers are not enough: It’s time for action to keep guns out of the wrong hands, especially highly-dangerous weapons of war.
This hate crime and worst mass shooting in our nation’s history comes at a time when our country joins together to recognize and celebrate the strength, diversity, and resilience of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, or LGBT, community and makes it all the more terrorizing for a population already under siege. Additional details about this horrific act will emerge, but one thing is incredibly clear—the continued attacks on the LGBT community and the vitriol that is too frequently allowed to fill our public discourse must end, and we must hold our nation’s leaders accountable to ensuring the dignity and safety of all persons.
As President Barack Obama said this afternoon, “This was an act of terror and an act of hate.” Motives matter; it’s critical to understand what drove the shooter to commit mass murder and how to keep Americans safe in the future. But whatever led him, it was his access to such extremely powerful weaponry that has left scores dead.
For more information on this topic or to speak with an expert, contact Liz Bartolomeo at [email protected] or 202.481.8151.