Ceasefire Oregon mourns for Orlando and for our nation
By Penny Okamoto, Executive Director of Ceasefire Oregon
Ceasefire Oregon and Ceasefire Oregon Education Foundation are horrified by the mass shooting early this morning in Orlando, Florida. Fifty people were shot to death and at least 53 were injured after a gunman armed with an assault rifle and handgun opened fire in a crowded nightclub.
This mass shooting has already been labeled by law enforcement as an act of terror and a possible hate crime.
Ceasefire Oregon and the Ceasefire Oregon Education Foundation grieve for the fallen and the injured, and for their families and friends. We also grieve for our nation as we suffer from the deadliest mass shooting in our nation’s history.
We call on all Americans to respect each other as fellow citizens and as human beings who are valued and cherished.
At this time, we ask all Americans to do everything possible to help Orlando. If you live in Florida, please take food to the families and the local first responders. Offer rides to the hospital to friends and families of survivors. Babysit. Hug. Listen.
Where ever you live, donate blood. Do it today. Even if you don’t live in Florida, someone in your state needs blood.
Tomorrow we will talk about steps we must take to end America’s unique and tragic madness of gun violence. But for today, please show all Americans how much we honor and respect each other.
Respectfully,
Ceasefire Oregon and the Ceasefire Oregon Education Foundation