Jackson Lee—“If we are to live up to the creeds of our nation and one which honors the human dignity of all, we in the world’s melting pot must embrace diversity and commonsense gun safety legislation. If not, we are destined to once again witness such an unspeakable tragedy. We must honor the lives lost at the Pulse Nightclub with meaningful action so that we can end the carnage caused by hate and gun violence. As Dr. King once stated, “we must learn to live together a brothers, or perish as fools.” If not, the lives lost that night would be in vain, which, too, would be tragic.”

Washington, D.C.—Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and the Budget, released this statement on the third anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando:

“Three years ago, a gunman in Orlando, Florida, entered the Pulse Nightclub—an oasis for the LGBTQ community—and shot and killed 49 people, injured 53 more, wrought untold emotional damage on countless others, and forever changed the lives of countless friends and family members of those harmed by the one of the largest mass shootings in our country’s history. Of course, this was no random attack. The Pulse nightclub was a haven for the LGBTQ community to live, love, dance. They came for music, celebration and fellowship. Over four dozen would leave the Pulse Nightclub with their names added to a list of fatal victims of gun violence.

“During the month of June, we celebrate Pride Month and as well as Gun Violence Prevention Month. Which is why the tragedy at Pulse was a distinct moment of regret and sorrow. A deranged gunman violated the rights of so many innocent individuals, and did so with a weapon of war. If we are to live up to the creeds of our nation and one which honors the human dignity of all, we in the world’s melting pot must embrace diversity and commonsense gun safety legislation. If not, we are destined to once again witness such an unspeakable tragedy. We must honor the lives lost at the Pulse Nightclub with meaningful action so that we can end the carnage caused by hate and gun violence. As Dr. King once stated, “we must learn to live together a brothers, or perish as fools.” If not, the lives lost that night would be in vain, which, too, would be tragic.”