Florida shooting: Solidarity and (some) opportunism

The USA’s deadliest shooting occurred over the weekend at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, leaving 50 dead and scores wounded.

The shooting was apparently perpetrated by a man who pledged allegiance to ISIS. But the incident has seen scores of people stepping up to assist the victims, from blood drives to messages of support.

Many helped in the wake of the incident or made moves in solidarity…

Here’s the line at a local blood bank for Pulse Shooting victims. One man said, “This is the real Orlando.” @bn9 pic.twitter.com/KmX8EU9Ld7

— Erin Maloney (@ErinOnTV) June 12, 2016

The line to give blood down the street from me. #PulseOrlando pic.twitter.com/TYBcsSxSPu

— (((Ms. Shakes))) (@MomMilkshake) June 12, 2016

GoFundMe campaign raises $767K in nine hours for shooting victims at Orlando’s Pulse https://t.co/QqYeJLtRPL pic.twitter.com/cHfim8PbQ8

— CNN (@CNN) June 13, 2016

If you’re free, please join us this evening in Soho for this, it’s free to attend and all are welcome – https://t.co/39VogUHdl4

— Colin (@omgitsc) June 13, 2016

One Blood is in need of water, juice, snacks, and fruit for all those donating blood right now.
379 W Michigan St
Orlando, FL 32806

— Pulse Orlando (@pulseorlando) June 12, 2016

Tel Aviv’s city hall was lit up in solidarity with the victims of the #OrlandoShooting at Pulse nightclub. pic.twitter.com/tyfxiQ11w6

— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 13, 2016

Our community banded together tonight in solidarity for the victims of the Pulse tragedy. #PrayersForOrlando pic.twitter.com/vcEKXFFgYQ

— City of Tallahassee (@COTNews) June 13, 2016

.@Adele dedicates her Antwerp show to #Orlando victims and breaks down talking abt solidarity with LGBTs. Love her. https://t.co/c0HfDWlb1f

— Tony Varona (@TonyVarona) June 13, 2016

Tonight the Sky Tower has been lit up in rainbow colours to honour those 50 people lost in the Orlando shooting. pic.twitter.com/OCkZXvN6Lx

— nzherald (@nzherald) June 13, 2016

Politicians were also quick to send condolences and slam the attack.

Woke up to hear the devastating news from FL. As we wait for more information, my thoughts are with those affected by this horrific act. -H

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 12, 2016

“This was an act of terror and act of hate.” —@POTUS on the tragic shooting in #Orlando https://t.co/i7fOS38GzH

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 12, 2016

All Americans are horrified, disgusted and saddened by the horrific atrocity in Orlando. Full statement: pic.twitter.com/ci5kxXKSyZ

— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) June 12, 2016

Today, all of America stands in solidarity with the people of Orlando. https://t.co/7AxKBoLMBw

— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) June 12, 2016

I’m horrified by reports of the overnight shooting in Orlando. My thoughts are with the victims and their families.

— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) June 12, 2016

His Holiness Pope Francis asks us to #Pray4Orlando pic.twitter.com/MKwFlgxggK

— Fr. Manuel Dorantes (@TweetingPriest) June 12, 2016

Some politicians were opportunistic…

What has happened in Orlando is just the beginning. Our leadership is weak and ineffective. I called it and asked for the ban. Must be tough

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016

Experts say my Muslim Ban is useless here bc #Orlando terrorist was American. Not true! I’d apply it to ALL Muslim immigrants retroactively!

— DonaId J. Trump (@realDenaldTrump) June 12, 2016

Texas Lieutenant Governor @DanPatrick‘s tweet after #Pulse. He deleted it, but don’t let anyone forget it. pic.twitter.com/Xc16Mi33HO

— Elan Morgan (@schmutzie) June 12, 2016

 

Featured image: Geoffrey Fairchild via Flickr.