Prayers of Support For Orlando Following Worst Mass Shooting in US History

Today marks the first full day of investigation into what’s being described as the deadliest mass shooting in US history. 49 victims were killed in the gay nightclub “Pulse” in Orlando, Florida over the weekend and over 50 injured victims are in the hospital. While the original reports indicate that 50 people were killed, it’s notable that 49 were victims and the 50th death was the shooter himself, who was killed in a gun battle with police. 

The lone gunman has been identified as 29-year-old Omar Mateen, a US citizen who was raised in New York. During the shooting, the gunman called 911 and “pledged his allegiance to ISIS,” while he held several hostages.

Click here to keep up with a live feed of the investigation on USA Today “Orlando Nightclub Shooting: What We Know.”

ORLANDO, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced the activation of the Florida Disaster Fund following yesterday’s terror attack in Orlando. The Florida Disaster Fund will help provide financial support to organizations that serve survivors, their families, and all those in need. To make a contribution, please visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org.

Governor Scott said, “We are committed to ensuring that every resource is available to help those in need following yesterday’s horrific terror attack in Orlando. Since the attack, we have seen Floridians unite together and our state has received an incredible outpouring of prayers and support. Activating the Florida Disaster Fund will give individuals across the country the opportunity to assist survivors and the loved ones of the victims. We will continue to work together in the coming days to do all we can to help this community heal.”

The Florida Disaster Fund is the State of Florida’s official private fund established to assist Florida’s communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster. In partnership with the public sector, private sector and other non-governmental organizations, the Florida Disaster Fund supports response and recovery activities. There is no overhead funding; 100% of funds raised will go toward those in need. Donations to the Florida Disaster Fund are made to the Volunteer Florida Foundation, 501(c)(3) charitable organization and are tax deductible.

Donations may be made by credit card on the secure website www.floridadisasterfund.org or by check to the below address.  Checks should be made payable to the Volunteer Florida Foundation and should include “Florida Disaster Fund” in the memo line.

Volunteer Florida Foundation
Attention: Florida Disaster Fund
3800 Esplanade Way, Suite 180
Tallahassee, FL  32311

For additional questions about the Florida Disaster Fund, please contact info@volunteerflorida.org or call (850) 414-7400.

FOLLOWING ORLANDO TERROR ATTACK, GOV. SCOTT REQUESTS EMERGENCY DECLARATION FROM PRESIDENT OBAMA

ORLANDO, Fla. – Yesterday, Governor Rick Scott requested an Emergency Declaration under the Stafford Act from President Obama. To view the letter, click HERE.

Governor Rick Scott said, “[This] terror attack was an attack on our state and entire nation. I have asked President Obama to declare an emergency so that the full resources of the federal government can be made available for all those impacted by this horrific massacre.”

“I have remained in constant communication with federal, state and local law enforcement. I have spoken with our hospitals who are caring for those who are wounded and recovering. I have also been in contact with some of the victims’ families to let them know we are grieving with them and will be there for them every step of the way. Our state is mourning, but the Orlando community is strong. We are all coming together, and we will get through this together. I ask every American to continue to pray for our state and nation and all those affected by this terror attack.”

Lt. Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera said, “We are devastated, angry and disgusted by the horrifying act of domestic terrorism that took place here in our state. I have been on the ground in Orlando, and the sense of community and love we see here is proof that we are a resilient people. We as Americans have shown and will continue to show that we cannot and will not be intimidated into changing our way of life by evil. The State of Florida has offered all resources available, and will continue to be in constant contact with all agencies involved. Our prayers are with those and their families devastated by last night’s act of terror, and we will be doing everything possible to support.”