Arizona political figures and others react to mass shooting at Orlando nightclub
Jun 12, 2016, 8:56 AM | Updated: Jun 13, 2016, 6:56 am
Police cars surround the Pulse Orlando nightclub, the scene of a fatal shooting, in Orlando, Fla., Sunday, June 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Arizona political figures turned to social media and media outlets to share their thoughts on the mass shooting in Orlando that left 50 dead and 53 more hospitalized.
Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton spoke to KTAR about the shooting.
“Like all Phoenicians, I woke up this morning, heard the incredibly sad and tragic news,” Stanton said. “First reaction is shock (and) horror, second reaciton, of course, like all Phoenicians, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and all the people of Orlando on this terrible terrible tragedy.”
Local mourners gathered at the Phoenix Pride LGBT Center for a vigil Sunday night.
The well-attended vigil was quickly pulled together by the mayor, Equality Arizona, Phoenix Pride and religious organizations.
“It could happen anywhere in the United States,” Stanton said. “A horrific hate crime like this could happen here in Phoenix, and so we stand with Orlando just like they would just stand with us if something like this would ever happen in our city.”
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) also talked to KTAR.
“It’s terribly disturbing and our thoughts and prayers are with the families,” McCain said.
Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) joined NBC News’ “Meet the Press with Chuck Todd.”
“Well, we don’t know what happened, but we reached out to federal officers,” Flake said. “But obviously a horrible, horrible tragedy. And everyone, what happens is one too many. So we’ll be looking at it as it unfolds in the coming days.”
Congressman Raul M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) released a statement.
“My heart breaks for the victims of last night’s attack, for their families and for those in hospitals now facing a long road to recovery,” Grijalva said. “This was an attack on the LGBT community during Pride Month at an iconic location for the community. Nothing could be more heinous. As our nation comes to grips with the fact that this was the single worst shooting attack in US history, I urge everyone to give law enforcement the time they need to do their jobs, and the families impacted the privacy they need in this unimaginably difficult time.”
Rep. Matt Salmon offered his condolences and pointed out that, “tragically,” the suspect had appeared on the FBI’s radar twice prior to the events that unfolded Sunday.
“As the attacks on our nation by those claiming allegiance to the Islamic State continue to increase, Americans are rightfully asking themselves one thing: How will we deal with these cowardly Islamic radicals?” Salmon added. “To those who would seek to divide our nation with our own internal politics, your efforts will fail. Our answer, as a nation united, will be to stand together with all Americans against this hatred and cowardice that defines these Islamic extremists.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and others reacted on social media to the tragic news.
Truly a tragic day in America. Join me in praying for the victims of the Orlando shooting, their families, and all the first responders.
— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) June 12, 2016
Waking up in Tucson & learning about the horrific gun tragedy in Orlando. Praying for strength for the #Orlando community.
— Gabrielle Giffords (@GabbyGiffords) June 12, 2016
Gabby & I are in Tucson this morning & following the developments regarding the tragedy in #Orlando. Sad day for our nation.
— Mark Kelly (@ShuttleCDRKelly) June 12, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and families in #Orlando this morning. #StoptheHate https://t.co/TAqnol5wkF
— Glendale Police (@GlendaleAZPD) June 12, 2016
Presidential nominees Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton also shared their thoughts on the shooting.
Really bad shooting in Orlando. Police investigating possible terrorism. Many people dead and wounded.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016
Horrific incident in FL. Praying for all the victims & their families. When will this stop? When will we get tough, smart & vigilant?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016
"This was an act of terror. … This was also an act of hate." —Hillary on the attack in Orlando https://t.co/MmaGjrSufr
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 12, 2016
"We need to keep guns like the ones used last night out of the hands of terrorists or other violent criminals." —Hillary on the FL attack
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 12, 2016
From what is now known, this was a terrorist act by an ISIS sympathizer. That despicable and barbaric organization must be destroyed.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) June 13, 2016
