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Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) led a resolution recognizing the anniversary of the terrorist attack at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida on June 12, 2016, honoring the 49 innocent lives lost in that senseless tragedy. The resolution passed the Senate unanimously.
Rubio also submitted a statement to the congressional record. The full text is below.
Mr. President: This weekend will mark six years since 49 of our fellow Americans were killed in one of the deadliest attacks in our nation’s history.
It was a tragic, despicable terrorist attack on the Hispanic and gay communities in Orlando. Each person killed was a son or daughter, brother or sister, mother or father, husband or wife. They were part of our families and communities.
The assault on Pulse was an act of pure evil that was and remains the worst terror attack on U.S. soil since September 11, 2001. And it was inspired by the same ideology of hate.
But ultimately, that hateful ideology failed to tear apart our community.
June 12, 2016 is a day that I will never forget. The senseless, tragic loss of life will never dull with time, nor will the memory of how our communities came together in the days and weeks that followed.
Pulse was a well-known nightclub in Central Florida. It was part of the fabric of the local community, and that awful day struck a terrible blow. But the community awoke from the tragedy stronger and more united than it was before.
The terrorist would have been horrified to see the First Baptist Church in Orlando—another pillar of the local community—opening its doors to the LGBT community, welcoming them and their families, and holding services there.
The terrorist would have hated to see Floridians from all across the state bringing
food and water to support victims, families, and first responders.
There were unending lines to donate blood. There were memorial services around the state.
There was a sense that there was something greater than any one person worth sacrificing for—there was a sense of community, fellowship, and solidarity. This is the America I know and love, and it is our country at its best.
Sunday will be a day for reflection, for remembering those who lost their lives to an evil, hateful ideology. It will also be a day to acknowledge the tremendous impact their families and the survivors have had, not only on their community and state, but on our nation.
And while the fight against evil and hate continues, we can and should take inspiration from their strength.