At a Latin Night in a crowded gay club in Orlando, at least 49 people were killed in the worst mass-shooting incident in American history. It is heartbreaking to know that these victims of an anti-LGBTQ hate crime were targeted in a supposedly safe space for the community.
As Orlando and the nation grieve after the massacre, we all await further details on the killer’s motives and influences.
But one thing is for sure. There is no room for the fear mongering being peddled by the likes of Donald Trump and Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL). Their attempts to tie the Orlando attacks to the Syrian refugee debate and to the awful idea of banning Muslims from entering the country are unwarranted and shameful.
This is a moment for leaders to bring us together, not to fan the flames of intolerance.