.By John dempsey, WLS-AM News
(CHICAGO) Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is reacting to the Orlando gay nightclub massacre that left at least 50 people dead and 53 wounded. Emanuel issued a statement saying:
“Last night’s horrifying act of terrorism in Orlando was an attack on our most fundamental values as Americans. On behalf of the City of Chicago, Amy and I send our deepest condolences to the friends and family members of those who were lost. June is a time when all Chicagoans and all Americans proudly celebrate the contributions of our LGBT community. This horrendous violence will only deepen our resolve to continue building a society that values everyone, regardless of who they love. The thoughts and prayers of Chicago will remain with the victims of this attack as they seek comfort and courage in the days ahead.”
The attack, which has been blamed on a radical Islamist Isis sympathizer, is the deadliest mass shooting in American history. It also came as Chicago is getting ready to celebrate it’s 47th annual Pride festival. Pride weekend is June 18th and 19th, followed by the annual Pride Parade on June 26th. Brian Johnson, the CEO of Illinois largest LBQT organization Equality Illinois, told WLS News, “I just keep thinking of the fact that there were 50 mothers this morning who got a phone call saying that their child was killed simply because they were at a gay club last night. There are 50 or more members of our community that aren’t with us any more. There was somebody who specifically targeted our community to make that happen.”
Johnson says he realizes there could be questions about the safety of the upcoming Gay Pride festivities in Chicago, but he says he hopes what happened in Orlando does not deter anyone from taking part in the Chicago events.
“It is now more than ever that we need to come together and demonstrate to ourselves and to others that we are a strong, vibrant, beautiful, caring community” Johnson said. ” At the center of our fight for full equality is the deep understanding that pride will always trump hate. We need to lean in and live up to that pride and show up together. I am sure that they (police) are working with the organizers of all the festivities to make sure we are safe and taken care of. I trust that they will do whatever it takes to make sure that all people who attend these festivities are safe.”
@ 2016 WLS-AM News
