[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 12, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S3330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                ANNIVERSARY OF PULSE NIGHTCLUB SHOOTING

  Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, on June 12, 2016, our State was 
attacked. Forty-nine innocent and beautiful lives were senselessly 
lost, and the lives of countless families and loved ones were forever 
changed.
  The attack--an attack on America, our State, the city of Orlando, our 
Hispanic and gay communities--was a terrorist attack. This act of 
terrorism was an attempt to rip at the seams of our society, to divide 
us, to instill fear in our hearts. But Floridians are strong. 
Floridians are selfless. Floridians are fighters.
  The days I spent in Orlando following the shooting will always be 
with me. I talked to many parents who lost their children. I went to 
funerals and wakes, and I sat in hospitals. It was one of the hardest 
things I have ever done as Governor and as a parent.
  Through our State's most challenging times, we also saw incredible 
bravery and heroism. We saw it in the brave members of law enforcement 
who selflessly ran into danger to help those in need; we saw it in the 
doctors and nurses who tirelessly worked to save lives; and we saw in 
the community that came together after this horrific tragedy to repair 
and rebuild.
  Three years removed from this unimaginable loss, our State is changed 
forever. Every year on this day, the State of Florida stands united 
with heavy hearts to honor the victims.
  I vow to never forget that evil exists in this world, and we must 
always stand up against those who wish to harm us. And we vow to always 
remember the beautiful lives taken far too soon.

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