Orlando Victims Deserve More than a Moment of Silence

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the Financial Services Committee released the following statement in response to the tragic shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida:

"This LGBT pride month has taken on even more significance as the nation comes to terms with a senseless and brutal act of terror and hate in Orlando that killed 49 innocent lives. A night of celebration ended in horror, all in a place that so many in the community considered a sanctuary – where they were welcomed and accepted, free from discrimination and hatred. Like so many across the country, I join in the heartache and horror as we all mourn the loss of these young people whose lives were taken from us far too soon. We will never know what contributions they would have made to society, and for that the entire nation grieves these victims as we would our own children.

While there are many questions that are yet to be answered, we do know that the attack at Pulse nightclub in Orlando is the deadliest mass shooting in the history of this country – surpassing both the devastating Sandy Hook and Mother Emanuel Church massacres. We also know that the shooting was one in a long line of innumerable acts of violence against the LGBT community – a community the Southern Poverty Law Center tells us is twice as likely to be the target of hate-motivated crimes.

My heart aches for the loved ones of those lost and wounded, the citizens of Orlando and the entire nation as we must pull together once again to overcome fear and hatred with strength, pride, and love in the face of unimaginable terror.

But beyond pulling together, Congress must act. Moments of silence are not enough. For my colleagues in positions to change the law and implement credible reforms, expressing sorrow and condolences is not enough. My Republican colleagues must be courageous and responsible enough to put politics aside and implement legislation that will prevent the next mass shooting. If we ever expect to put an end to these heartless acts of violence, we cannot go back to business as usual. My Democratic colleagues and I are ready to stand with the American people and do all that we can to reduce all forms of gun violence. It is now time for Republican leadership to join us in this effort and realize that meaningful action is long overdue."