Florida Gov. Ron de Sandis has ordered half-mast flags to be flown at local and state buildings to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the 2016 massacre at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando.
“Six years ago, on June 12, 2016, a sniper claiming to be loyal to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant committed a horrific terrorist act against LGBTQs and Spanish communities at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando,” DeSantis wrote. “At the time, it was the deadliest mass shooting in US history.”
“As a sign of respect for the victims, their families and the many affected by this tragedy, I signed the attached Declaration directing the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to fly at half-mast in all local and state buildings, facilities and “Places across the state of Florida,” he said.
The shootings killed 49 people and injured 53 others. The Republican governor named June 12 as “Pulse Remembrance Day” last year.
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Flowers adorn posters and pictures of those who went missing at the Pulse Nightclub Memorial on June 12, 2021, in Orlando, Florida. ((Photo by George Wilson Foto 2021 / DeFodi images via Getty Images))
DeSantis has come under fire from the LGBTQ community for his support of critically acclaimed “Do Not Say Homosexual” bill.
The Parental Rights Act in the education law prohibits class discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity for seniors and younger students and allows parents to sue school districts over the issue.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference at the Cox Science Center & Aquarium on June 8, 2022, in West Palm Beach, Florida. ((Photo by Joe Raedle / Getty Images))
In response to the law, Disney suspended the company’s political contributions to Florida, and in turn, DeSantis led the state legislature to disband the Disney Reedy Creek Improvement District that allowed the theme park to govern itself.
Johanna Parker of Orlando leaves a bouquet of fresh flowers at the Pulse Nightclub Memorial on June 12, 2021, in Orlando, Florida. ((Photo by George Wilson Foto 2021 / DeFodi images via Getty Images))
The Orlando Sun Sentinel reported that DeSantis signed a bill last year banning trans athletes from competing in women’s and girls’ sports, and sought to block Medicaid coverage for hormone therapy and drugs that prevent puberty.
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Brandon Wolf, a Pulse survivor with Equality Florida, a state-run LGBTQ civil rights organization, recently broke DeSantis in an article claiming that the governor “has declared war on the Florida LGBTQ community.”
Danielle Wallace is a Fox News Digital reporter covering politics, crime, police and more. Story tips can be sent to [email protected] and Twitter: @danimwallace.
