News

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced a resolution recognizing the anniversary of the terror attack on Pulse nightclub in Orlando on June 12, 2016, and honoring the 49 innocent lives lost in this senseless tragedy. This resolution passed the Senate by unanimous consent.
 
“The tragic, despicable terrorist attack on the Hispanic and gay communities in Orlando that took place four years ago was an act of evil that took the lives of 49 innocent people,” Rubio said. “Each one of them was a son or daughter, a brother or sister, a mother or father, a husband, a wife or a partner. Most importantly, they were part of our families and of our communities. That day is one I will never forget, and while we still have a long way to go to root out evil and hate, I remember how our communities came together in the days and weeks that followed. As the fourth anniversary of this tragedy approaches, let us all remember and honor the lives of those who were taken too soon.”
 
“Floridians will never forget the horrific events of June 12, 2016 – the day our state, nation, the City of Orlando, and Hispanic and gay communities were attacked in an act of terror, and 49 innocent lives were lost,” Scott said. “It was an evil act designed to divide us as a nation and put fear in our hearts and minds. But we didn’t let it. We came together and supported each other. The weeks following the shooting will always stay with me – days spent in hospitals with families, at funerals and wakes with loved ones, and endless events throughout the community. I saw firsthand the incredible resilience, love and bravery that uplifted the community during one of the hardest times our state has seen. And on the fourth anniversary of this tragedy, Senator Rubio and I join all Floridians in honoring the lives lost far too soon, and vow to always stand up and fight against evil and hatred in this world.”
 
The full text of the resolution is below.
 
Honoring the memory of the victims of the heinous attack at the Pulse nightclub on June 12, 2016. 
 
Whereas, on June 12, 2016, a gunman inspired by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria targeted the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, where he killed 49 innocent victims and wounded dozens more in a despicable attack; 
 
Whereas the attack at the Pulse nightclub was an attack on the LGBTQ community, the Hispanic community, the City of Orlando, the State of Florida, and the United States; 
 
Whereas the Orlando community continues to mourn the tragic loss of life, but has demonstrated remarkable strength, unity, and resilience in the aftermath of the horrendous event; 
 
Whereas June 12 is designated as ‘‘Pulse Remembrance Day’’ in the State of Florida to honor the victims and survivors of the senseless attack; 
 
Whereas the people of the United States continue to pray for those affected by the tragedy; and
 
Whereas June 12, 2020, marks 4 years since the lives of the 49 innocent victims were tragically cut short by the senseless act of terrorism: Now, therefore, be it 
 
Resolved, That the Senate— 
 
(1) commemorates the 49 victims killed in the attack at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016, and offers heartfelt condolences to the families, loved ones, and friends of the victims; 
 
(2) honors the dozens of survivors of the attack and pledges continued resolve to stand against terrorism and hate; and 
 
(3) expresses gratitude to the brave law enforcement and emergency medical personnel who responded to the attack.