On the recordJune 12, 2017
before I begin, I would like to take a moment to remember the victims of the shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando that occurred 1 year ago today. It was the deadliest shooting by a single gunman in our Nation's history. Forty-nine Americans died that night, and 53 more were injured. They were children, parents, sisters, brothers, and friends. They went out that night to celebrate with their friends and instead came face to face with a soul twisted by an inexplicable hate. The best way I can see to honor their memory is to honor them with action. We should redouble our efforts to make this country safer from the scourge of terrorism and gun violence to ensure that our schools and our churches, our theaters and our nightclubs are safe places where all Americans can be who they truly are. Let that be our mission as we remember the 49 victims of the Orlando attack and keep their families in our prayers. ____________________
