Music
Musicians show support for LGBTQ community after Orlando shooting
by Jesse Locke
June 13, 2016
Omar Mateen killed 50 and injured 53 in an attack on the LGBTQ nightclub Pulse.
Saturday’s Latin night at LGBTQ nightclub Pulse in Orlando, Florida became the tragic site of the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history with 50 killed and a current count of 53 injured.
Professional security officer Omar Mateen, previously investigated by the FBI, has been identified as the attacker behind the homophobic hate crime. While the 29-year-old called 911 and declared allegiance to ISIS shortly before the shooting, his father Mir Seddique told NBC News “this had nothing to do with religion.” He explained that his son was angered by the sight of two men kissing, with NBC describing the attacks as “fueled by pure hate against the LGBT community.”
As Orlando police and the FBI continue their investigation, a hotline (407-246-4357) has also been set up for family members of the victims. Artists such as Tegan and Sara, Laura Jane Grace, Beyoncé, Questlove, Ed Droste of Grizzly Bear, and many more have joined the loving chorus in solidarity with the LGBTQ community. See their posts below:
