It’s Been Two Years Since The Pulse Nightclub Shooting, And Gun Control Still Hasn’t Happened
The survivors are still fighting for change.
Content warning: mass shootings, gun violence
Two years ago, 49 innocent people were killed when a shooter entered Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, and opened fire.
That’s two years the survivors and community have spent calling for gun control, and it hasn’t happened, despite the Pulse massacre being one of the deadliest mass shootings in history. This week, at memorials around the community, survivors continued to remember the victims by stepping up their calls for reform, pledging to honour them with action.
Just a few days ago, a group of survivors and victims’ family members banded together to launch a federal lawsuit against the police and the City of Orlando, alleging that they did not do enough to stop the gunman, and a state lawsuit against the nightclub’s owners alleging that they had inadequate security.
People have also been writing to senators and other people in a position to make change, begging them to do something before it happens again.
I left this note for @MarcoRubio today in DC.
In the 2 years since #Pulse we haven’t seen nearly enough change.
One ribbon for him, one for him to give to a colleague to continue the call for change. pic.twitter.com/Srz2j8rYak
— Matt Deitsch (@MattxRed) June 12, 2018
Two years ago, a man fired 45 rounds a minute into the crowded club while I washed my hands in the sink. 13 of those rounds killed my best friends.
Today, the pain is the same. Someone please fix this.
I miss you. ? #Pulse pic.twitter.com/zwHeKtNYf6
— Brandon Wolf (@bjoewolf) June 12, 2018
Most importantly, though, the community has spent the anniversary of the shooting remembering the 49 victims, ensuring they are not forgotten. Family, survivors and community have gathered at the site of the shooting all week in remembrance and, Florida Governor Rick Scott has officially named June 12 Pulse Remembrance Day.
It has been two years since the unthinkable tragedy at Pulse Nightclub. Please continue to raise up and honor the 49 people who were taken from us that awful day, as well as the survivors, their families, and everyone impacted. Say their names and learn more about their stories. pic.twitter.com/lwRfukngSZ
— Raymond Braun (@raymondbraun) June 12, 2018
JUNE 12, 2016
Orlando, Florida, USA
2 years have passed and in my heart your faces and spirits are as alive to me as they were before you were taken.
Today, we say your names. We miss you. We’ll never forget. #pulse #orlando #NeverAgain pic.twitter.com/zlYfXGLcNn
— Wilson Cruz (@wcruz73) June 12, 2018
June 12, 2016. Two years since Pulse. We will continue to honor the fallen with action. #LoveIsLove ?️??? pic.twitter.com/3TO7dEuMg6
— Jaclyn Corin (@JaclynCorin) June 12, 2018
Today is such a heavy day for all of us in the queer community. It's been two years since the devastating shooting at the #Pulse nightclub in Orlando. Take good care of each other today and everyday—proudly, carefully, and with love.
—Cynthia
— Cynthia Nixon (@CynthiaNixon) June 12, 2018
It’s the two year anniversary of #Pulse. Remember not only how much we lost and hurt that day, but also how quickly we were told as LGBTQ not to politicize the murder of queer people by people who politicize where we piss and VOTE accordingly
— Phillip Henry (@MajorPhilebrity) June 12, 2018
It’s harder to remember the 49 with action from here in Australia, but we can remember them. Think about them when you see rainbows on your timeline today.
What a fitting end to a Pulse rally to #honorthemwithaction. #pulse #orlandounited #loveisloveisloveisloveislove @MomsDemand ?️?❤️ pic.twitter.com/XTHOYQOHGR
— Julie Gehring (@JulieGehring1) June 12, 2018
Feature image via Rhododendrites on Wikimedia Commons, used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
