A lone gunmen entered a night club near downtown Orlando on Saturday night and opened fire, killing at least 50 and wounding 53 others. The FBI is already calling this the worst mass shooting in U.S. history.
A man entered Pulse Night Club, just south of Downtown Orlando, and opened fire at about 2 a.m., starting a standoff with police and setting off this tragic event.
Orlando Sports Daily is heartbroken this morning with the news of the mass shooting that occurred at Pulse Night Club in the SoDo neighborhood near downtown Orlando on Saturday night. Pulse is a well-known gay club in Orlando. There are reports that may have been part of the shooter’s motivation.
The community is obviously very shaken by these events. It is unclear what the motivations were and, frankly they do not matter. It takes a person who is extremely misguided and needs lots of help but is not getting it to commit an act of extreme violence and hate.
If there is a silver lining that comes from this, it is how quickly and how strongly the Orlando community has come together. Especially in the wake of Friday night’s shooting of a former Voice contestant and singer at another night club and concert venue near Downtown Orlando.
It is hard to come up with the words in response.
It is hard to come up with the appropriate statement this morning. Thoughts & prayers are with the victims and their families.
— Orlando Sports Daily (@orlsportsdaily) June 12, 2016
One thing I know about this community, we will come together and be made stronger. We will stand up for each other and keep living.
— Orlando Sports Daily (@orlsportsdaily) June 12, 2016
Those two tweets are about all we can say.
The Orlando sports teams have also released their thoughts and prayers for the victims on social media. Several players too have sent their condolences on Twitter.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends affected by this morning's tragedy in Orlando. pic.twitter.com/BGnyscrzI6
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) June 12, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with all affected by this morning's terrible tragedy. #PrayForOrlando pic.twitter.com/XYMenmWuxN
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) June 12, 2016
Our hearts are with those affected by the tragedy of this morning in our City Beautiful. pic.twitter.com/yNSKwv4izZ
— Orlando Solar Bears (@OrlandoHockey) June 12, 2016
Our prayers are with the victims’ families & all those affected by the shooting. #prayfororlando pic.twitter.com/fDwbxaxeoY
— Orlando Predators (@ORLPredators) June 12, 2016
Thoughts &prayers go out to all of the people & families impacted by the tragedy at Pulse Night Club. Awful news to wake up to this morning.
— Danny White (@UCFDannyWhite) June 12, 2016
God bless our city specially the families that have lost loved ones #PrayForOrlando
— Kaka (@KAKA) June 12, 2016
So heartbroken for our city. Thank you @OrlandoPolice and @orlandohealth for your tireless work. #staystrongOrlando #PrayforOrlando
— Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) June 12, 2016
My deepest condolences to the families who lost their dear ones… Sad day for our city! #Orlando #OrlandoShootings
— Nikola Vucevic (@NikolaVucevic) June 12, 2016
I am devastated 4 OUR CITY #Orlando Public Figures/Personalities use our voices my friends to eco the love/compassion we need in this world
— Rob Keefe (@KEEFENSE) June 12, 2016
Thoughts and prayers are a start. It is certainly warranted and wanted as the community comes together.
The next step is doing something to help the victims and then eventually learn how to prevent tragedies like this from happening again. A lot of those debates will happen outside of Orlando and many facts are still getting gathered.
But Orlando has come together in the hours since this tragedy to help.
Reports this morning from blood banks across Orlando have long lines of people wanting to donate blood and help the victims in any way they can.
Orlando Pride star Alex Morgan screenshotted bloodmobile locations for those looking to donate:
Anyone in Orlando that wants to help, donate blood. The site crashed but here's a few places you can go: pic.twitter.com/MficN3xH8u
— Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) June 12, 2016
And those who want to donate blood can check the Orlando Sentinel or visit oneblood.org:
Visit https://t.co/NR5ruI7nbP or call 1-888-9Donate if you can help. https://t.co/0DQTIl5tXI
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) June 12, 2016
It has been a difficult couple of days in Orlando. There will be hard days ahead. But also enlightening ones too.
The city and the people of this city have come together and responded well in the face of tragedy. There are lines out the door to donate blood and an outpouring of support not only on social medi but also at the hospital and elsewhere.
People are willing to wait in the hot Florida sun to give blood and help any way they can.
There will be plenty of mourning in the next few days. And then the healing can begin. It will only happen if everyone in the city works together. If everyone in the country works together.
Thank you to everyone who has sent their support to Orlando in the face of this senseless tragedy.
Orlando is strong and will continue to grow and work together and support each other.
