Statement on Shooting in Orlando
To GOAL Members,
As many of you know by now, we awoke this morning to news of a mass shooting in a gay nightclub in Florida. The club, Pulse, is in downtown Orlando, and at 2 AM this morning a gunman began shooting outside of it before heading into the club. Police ultimately killed the gunman inside the club, but not before dozens of persons were shot, many of whom were killed.
The details of the shooting will continue to emerge throughout the day and coming week, and as they do here's what we're doing:
• I have been in touch with NYPD officials, including the Counterterrorism Bureau, to ask for representatives to join us this Tuesday evening at our monthly meeting
• One of our GOAL members is monitoring the event for relevant updates
• I am preparing requests within the Department to discuss our security measures for the Heritage of Pride parade.
Nothing looks like the shooting is connected to New York, but we will stay alert for connections throughout the month.
For the time being, stay alert and stay safe. We are going to do whatever we can to stay involved in the response in New York to this shooting and make sure the LGBT community is well-informed and our needs are well-represented in how law enforcement responds.
Fraternally,
Brian E. Downey
President
