Fallout Continues from Terrorist Attack in Orlando, Florida

We’ve had a few days of mourning since the worst terrorist attack on American soil since 9/11, and the fallout continues around the nation as we pick up the pieces and move forward as a free people. As with any domestic or international event that occurs within a major election year, the matter can get quickly politicized and immediately becomes overtaken with the presidential race.

Here are some of the most notable reactions from each of the presidential candidates.

Donald Trump on The Today Show yesterday:

Hillary Clinton on Good Morning America from yesterday:

Bernie Sanders on Meet the Press from Sunday:

Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson released this statement on Facebook:

In this immediate aftermath of what is clearly a tragic and despicable attack, our thoughts must be with the victims. Regardless of what the motivation is ultimately found to be, this violence against innocent people simply going about their lives is both cowardly and infuriating.

We must allow the authorities to do their jobs, understand how this attack came about, and then respond accordingly. It is not a time to either politicize or jump to conclusions.

Green Party candidate Jill Stein also released a Facebook statement:

My heart goes out to all the victims in Orlando and their family members and loved ones. My thoughts and hopes are with the injured for their swift recovery.

This tragedy reminds us once again that our country needs to take action to restrict access to assault weapons that enable such mass killings to occur with such frightening regularity.

All episodes of needless slaughter are uniquely horrifying. In this case, it is especially disturbing that the murders occurred at a gay nightclub when many were celebrating gay pride and recent progress against discrimination towards members of the LGBTQ community. Unfortunately passing laws against discrimination – whether based on sexual orientation, race, gender or national origin – does not eliminate hate or the threat of violence.

This latest tragedy compels us to raise our voices against all such violence – whether motivated by religious extremism (Christian, Islamic or other), anti-LGBTQ intolerance, racist bigotry, anti-immigrant hatred, abusive policing, or needless state sanctioned violence.

Likewise we must raise our voices in support of equality, understanding and nonviolence and to create a welcoming, tolerant and peaceful community for all.

It’s with a heavy heart we pray for our fellow citizens affected by this attack and pray for healing for the people of Orlando.