It's the worst mass shooting in United States history. In the early morning hours of Sunday June 12 a gunman open fire inside a nightclub in Orlando Florida. Authorities are still going oover the evidence and notifying the families of those killed or wounded.

In the aftermath of that shooting Louisiana's Governor John Bel Edwards and First Lady Donna Edwards offered this statement of comfort and support for the people of Orlando.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.Psalm 18:2

There are no words that will comfort the survivors and families of the victims of this tragic incident, but it is our hope that the people of Florida will find solace in this scripture during this very difficult time. This is a senseless tragedy of unimaginable scale. In the face of adversity, as we always do, we stand united against acts of terrorism that threaten our people and our way of life. Donna and I, along with every citizen in Louisiana, send our thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families. We stand ready to support the State of Florida in any way that we can to bring justice for those whose lives were lost.

Prayer vigils were organized in Orlando and across the country last night. Many more vigils and memorials are being organized for today and later this week across Louisiana. Details on area memorial and vigils are still being finalized as of the time of this writing.

In Shreveport, members of PACE, "People Acting For Change and Equality" Issued this statement.

It took the lives of 50 LGBT people and allies and left over 50 with critical injuries.  It is difficult to accept that we live in a world where atrocities like this can happen to innocent people.  Sadly, LGBT people are no strangers to such deranged acts of hate.  But no one is born hating others because of their race or religion or ethnicity or sexual orientation or gender identity.  That kind of hate is taught.  So we encourage civilized people to use the horror of Orlando to personally pledge that they will themselves practice love, not hate, and will teach their children love, and not hate, for we have to believe that over time, love is stronger than hate.

The organization's Pride in the Park celebration is scheduled to go on as planned this Saturday and a vigil is planned at that time.

In Lafayette and Acadiana, United Blood Services announced that they are sending blood to Orlando to help with care of the wounded. You are encouraged to donate blood at the United Blood Center headquarters on Bertrand Drive or at any of their mobile facilities.

 

 

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