Gov. Jay Inslee, Mayor Ed Murray react to Florida nightclub mass shooting

Reaction to the Florida mass shooting at the Pulse Orlando nightclub Sunday when police say a gunman wielding an assault-type rifle opened fire before dying in a gunfight with SWAT officers; at least 50 people were killed and dozens of others wounded.

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray issued a statement and also announced that a candlelight vigil at 8:00 pm at Cal Anderson Park this evening. He also ordered the flags at City Hall to be lowered to half-staff.

Americans woke up this morning with the all-too-familiar feeling of incomprehension at another act of mass violence, and LGBTQ Americans awoke with the sickening, all-too-familiar feeling of fear that our community has once again been attacked.

Words cannot adequately encompass the feelings of grief I am feeling for the loss of so many of our LGBTQ and allied brothers and sisters in Orlando during the largest single act of violence against LGBTQ people in United States history. For too long, our community has been the target of violence throughout the world. It will never make sense to me that love is met with such hate.

On behalf of the people of the City of Seattle, my heart and my thoughts go out to those whose lives were forever changed by the events last night. Today our community draws closer to one another for comfort, support and healing, and to honor those who were tragically lost.”

From  King County Executive Dow Constantine:

We’ve made enormous progress as a nation to protect the civil and human rights of our LGBT brothers and sisters, but the worst mass shooting in U.S. history is another stark reminder that hate and violence remain — and must be actively opposed.

We stand united to support our LGBT community and work together to prevent this type of outrage from occurring anywhere in our region.

Whatever the motives or causes, mass gun violence in our schools, churches, streets, shopping malls and clubs must be stopped, but that will require strong and decisive action.

From Gov. Jay Inslee:

“Yesterday it was such an honor to join Spokane’s inspiring celebration where they, as many communities across the country this weekend, were celebrating the progress we’ve made for our LGBTQ friends and family. It was an event marked by pride, love and joy.

This morning we wake up to see this horrific tragedy in Orlando. We are all waiting to learn more about the motivations of this man but there is no doubt that today is one of unimaginable sorrow for the LGBTQ community, the people of Florida, for our nation and for people everywhere who are sickened by such an act of hatred.

It’s difficult to even find the right words in a time like this. Trudi and I, and every Washingtontonian, send our deepest condolences to the people of Orlando and Florida.”

.@OurSeattlePride responds to #OrlandoShooting @KIRO7Seattle pic.twitter.com/xIE1eatMWF

— AMY CLANCY (@ClancyKIRO7) June 12, 2016

The Management and Staff of Neighbours Seattle send our condolences and love to Pulse Orlando and those affected… https://t.co/BR3wbIlxAt

— Neighbours Seattle (@Neighbours1) June 12, 2016

Our hearts are heavy this morning hearing the news out of Orlando. Thoughts and prayers to those affected, we are with you today. ❤️????

— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) June 12, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with the city of Orlando and all those affected by this morning’s tragedy. #PrayForOrlando

— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) June 12, 2016

My heart goes out to the victims and families in Orlando. We must build a world free from violence and bigotry. Stop the tragedies. #Pulse

— Kshama Sawant (@cmkshama) June 12, 2016

We must stand in solidarity w/ our LGBTQ Sisters & Brothers in wake of Orlando. We must also fight back against scapegoating & Islamophobia

— Kshama Sawant (@cmkshama) June 12, 2016

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“We are looking at a massacre that has no precedent in the history of the gay community,” Rome’s Gay Center spokesman Fabrizio Marrazzo told the Italian news agency ANSA.

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“We are heartbroken and angry that senseless violence has once again destroyed lives in our state and in our country. Gay clubs hold a significant place in LGBTQ history. They were often the only safe gathering place and this horrific act strikes directly at our sense of safety.” Equality Florida.

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“It’s horrific, it’s unthinkable. And just hopes go out to all those who were shot that they can recover.” Bernie Sanders, Democratic presidential candidate, speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

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“Horrific incident in FL. Praying for all the victims & their families. When will this stop? When will we get tough, smart & vigilant?” Tweet from Donald Trump, Republican presidential candidate. He tweeted about an hour later: “Appreciate the congrats for being right on radical Islamic terrorism, I don’t want congrats, I want toughness & vigilance. We must be smart!”

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“Woke up to hear the devastating news from FL. As we wait for more information, my thoughts are with those affected by this horrific act.” Tweet from Hillary Clinton, Democratic presidential candidate.

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French President Francois Hollande “condemns with horror” the mass killing in Florida and “expresses the full support of France and the French with America’s authorities and its people in this difficult time.” Statement from Hollande’s office.

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“My thoughts go out to the victims, to which I offer my condolences, as well as the many wounded, to whom I wish a speedy recovery. I express my solidarity to the American people and its authorities in this terrible ordeal.” French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault.

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“We condemn this monstrous 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.” Rasha Mubarak, Orlando regional coordinator for Florida’s chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

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“Our heart is with our American brothers.” Tweet from Italian Premier Matteo Renzi.

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“aghast by the ever more dramatic news of the nightclub massacre.” In a tweet from Italy’s foreign minister, Paolo Gentiloni.

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“This morning, I will be marching in the West Hollywood Pride Parade with a heavy heart, but we will march in solidarity with all those who are the victims of terrorism and hatred.” Democratic U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff of California.

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“Please keep everyone in your prayers as we work through this tragic event. Thank you for your thoughts and love.” Pulse Orlando on its Facebook page.

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“I was thinking, ‘Are you kidding me?’ So I just dropped down. I just said, ‘Please, please, please, I want to make it out.’ And when I did, I saw people shot. I saw blood.” Christopher Hansen, who was in the VIP lounge when he heard gunshots.

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“This is an incident, as I see it, that we certainly classify as domestic terror incident.” Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings.

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“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, families and all those affected by this horrific tragedy. We are a strong and resilient state and we will devote every resource available to assist with the shooting in Orlando.” Gov. Rick Scott.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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