Commentary: U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement in response to the shooting in Orlando, Fla.: “I am grief-stricken by the news from Orlando — yet another mass shooting in the United States, and the worst in our history. We must keep the victims and their families in our hearts while we search for more information about how and why this crime happened. But it’s clear that it was an act of terror, that the killer was filled with hatred and had a powerful assault weapon and the intent to massacre innocent people. It’s all the more horrifying that this tragedy occurred in an LGBT business during Pride Month, at a time when we celebrate our diversity and triumph over hate. An attack motivated by hate is an attack on us all.
“We will learn more details over the coming days, and we will take appropriate action. Our nation is strong, we will not be intimidated, and we will defeat international terror groups wherever they operate. In the meantime, we must pray for Orlando, the victims and their families and come together remembering that what makes our nation great is respect for all people."