Local leaders and police in Massachusetts offer their support after Orlando mass shooting
Boston and Massachusetts officials offered their thoughts, prayers, and assistance Sunday, after waking up to the news of the mass shooting in Orlando, Florida. The shooting at a gay nightclub around 2 a.m., in which at least 50 were killed and over 50 more were hospitalized, was the worst mass shooting in American history.
The tragedy was particularly striking for some, following Boston’s jubilant Pride Parade on Saturday.
Remembering the joy of Pride yesterday. My thoughts are w/ #Orlando. Join me in prayers for the victims & families. We are heartbroken. -MJW
— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) June 12, 2016
According to Boston police spokeswoman Rachel McGuire, police joined Mayor Marty Walsh in reaching out to Orlando to offer whatever assistance they could. Though McGuire said they had yet to hear back Sunday morning, she said officials felt it was appropriate to reach out, particularly in light of “what happened here in 2013” and the subsequent outpouring of support Boston received from other cities around the country.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Orlando. #OrlandoStrong
— Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) June 12, 2016
Police in Watertown, where the Boston Marathon bombers were engaged in a shootout in 2013, joined several law enforcement agencies in offering their thoughts and prayers to those impacted in Orlando.
WPD sends thoughts and prayers to the victims and families of the horrific Orlando tragedy.
— Watertown Police (@WatertownPD) June 12, 2016
According to Massachusetts State Police, no connection to the Bay State has been found on the parts of the suspected Orlando gunman or his spouse.
“Our prayers today are with the victims and their loved ones,” said state police spokesman David Procopio in a statement. “We remain resolute, standing side-by-side with our federal and local partners in law enforcement, in our counter-terrorism mission.”
Sen. Ed Markey said he was “sickened” and “devastated” by the shooting.
After this deplorable attack in #Orlando, let us denounce hate in all its forms and recommit to justice and progress in the face of terror.
— Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) June 12, 2016
Markey had walked in the Boston Pride Parade down Boylston Street on Saturday, along with Sen. Elizabeth Warren, in celebration of the local LGBT community. June is LGBT Pride Month.
Gov. Charlie Baker called the shooting a “horrendous act of terror” and emphasized that no threats were apparent to Massachusetts, in light of police reports that the shooter referred to the Boston Marathon bombers during the attack.
Our hearts break for the innocent victims and their loved ones impacted by last night’s horrendous act of terror. [1/3]
— Charlie Baker (@MAGovArchive) June 12, 2016
Our administration remains in constant contact with the Joint Terrorism Task Force, federal partners and law enforcement, [2/3]
— Charlie Baker (@MAGovArchive) June 12, 2016
and while there are no apparent threats to the Commonwealth, we will remain vigilant to ensure the public’s safety and security. [3/3]
— Charlie Baker (@MAGovArchive) June 12, 2016
Several local officials and agencies also expressed their support Sunday for the victims and first responders in Orlando.
Heartache for the friends/families of the #Orlando victims & solidarity with the LGBTQ community #mapoli
— Joseph A. Curtatone (@JoeCurtatone) June 12, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims in #Orlando & our brothers and sisters in law enforcement who responded
— MBTA Transit Police (@MBTATransitPD) June 12, 2016
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