Muslim Organizations Condemn Orlando Shooting

 

Shura Council of Southern California

The Islamic Shura Council of Southern California joins the nation in its unconditional condemnation of the senseless and horrific violence and mourns the loss of lives in yet another mass shooting in the city of Orlando, Florida. We extend our sympathies to the families of the victims and ask the Most Compassionate God to grant full recovery to the injured and bless them with patience and strength.
 "We condemn the horrible violence in Orlando, Florida and stand in solidarity with the nation for peace and harmony for all and at all times," said the Chairman of the Islamic Shura Council, Dr Muzammil Siddiqi. 

Council on American-Islamic Relations

Washington, DC: The head of a prominent US Muslim advocacy group Sunday strongly condemned the nightclub massacre in Florida, calling members of the militant Islamic State (IS) group an "aberration" amid allegations the gunman was inspired by them.

Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, also called for unity and urged politicians not to "exploit" the slaughter in Orlando , which left 50 dead and dozens more injured.

"This is a hate crime. Plain and simple. We condemn it in the strongest possible terms," Awad told a news conference.

"It violates our principles as Americans and as Muslims. Let me be clear, we have no tolerance for extremism of any kind.”

The FBI said the American gunman, 29-year-old Omar Mateen, who died in an exchange of fire with police, was believed to have made a 911 call pledging allegiance to IS before the shooting.

Awad referenced such reporting and said he had a word for IS members and supporters. "You do not speak for us. You do not represent us. You are an aberration, you are an outlaw ... they don't speak for our faith. They never belonged to this beautiful faith."

With the 2016 race for the White House in full swing, Awad warned that perpetrators of attacks such as the one in Orlando "mean only to divide us" and called for calm on the political front.

"And to those politicians who may try to exploit this tragedy, we ask them to respect the victims and their families. This is not the time to score points. This is not the time to exploit fear. This is the time for unity and faith."

White House hopeful Donald Trump lost no time in claiming the killing showed he has been right about Islamic extremism all long.

 

The imam of the mosque where the Orlando nightclub shooter worshipped said Sunday that the suspect never gave any indication he was capable of such violence.

Omar Mateen, 29, attended evening prayers three or four times a week at the Islamic Center of Fort Pierce, bringing his son who is about four or five years old, the mosque's imam said.

"He would pray and his son would play," said Syed Shafeeq Rahman, who has known Mateen since 2003 when he became the imam.

Mateen did not socialize, leaving when services ended. He didn't talk but would smile and shake hands, Rahman said.

The imam said it was "unbelievable" that a heavily-armed Mateen carried out a rampage at a gay club in Orlando, killing 50 people and wounding 53.

It was the deadliest terror attack in the United States since September 11, 2001.

 

"I never expected this," Rahman said, holding a copy of the Holy Qur’an in his hand as he spoke with reporters. "We teach peace and justice."

"It must be some kind of psychological problem or anger problem," the imam said, adding that Mateen might have been radicalized on the Internet.

 

Muslim Public Affairs Council

 

Today, our hearts are heavy with the horrific news of a hateful homophobic   mass shooting   targeting a gay club in Florida, which has taken the lives of 50 people and injured at least 53 others. We join with the LGBTQ community and all Americans in expressing our profound outrage, grief, and condemnation of this sickening act of senseless violence that violates all human decency. Hate, bigotry and violence are our common enemy.
We send our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased and injured, and stand shoulder to shoulder with the LGBTQ community as we deal with the aftermath of the despicable crime. We are in touch with federal and local law enforcement about the investigation surrounding this tragedy.
We urge Muslim Floridians to donate blood to aid the injured and to extend their giving and prayers for all those affected by this mass shooting.
MPAC and many other American Muslim groups around the country have strong ties with LGBTQ communities and groups, and have worked together to oppose hate, intolerance, and bullying which impacts both of our communities.
As we all grapple with this senseless tragedy and we learn more about the motives and facts of the case, we will be reaching out to LGBTQ communities with condolences and solidarity. As President Obama said at his press conference, let us stand together in our grief and outrage, and our solidarity with the victims and their families.
As Muslims, we believe in religious freedom, civil rights, and human rights. We reject violence, hatred, and discrimination toward anyone on the basis of race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or national origin. We support civil rights for all people. May God guide us all as we strive in His cause.
- Salam Al-Marayati
President MPAC

 

Council of Pakistan American Affairs

We are deeply saddened by the loss of innocent lives in Orlando, Florida. Our heart goes out to families of the victims and our prayers are with them in this hour of need.
The Council of Pakistan American Affairs (COPAA) condemns the barbaric attack that occurred on Sunday June 12, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. At least 50 people were killed and over 53 were injured.
COPAA extends its deepest condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this tragedy. It is evident that now more than ever, we must work together to counter extremism. Our heavy hearts are with the families of the victims.
The White House released the following statement after the shooting at Pulse nightclub in which 50 lives were lost and left 53 others injured.
"The President was briefed this morning by Lisa Monaco, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, on the tragic shooting in Orlando, Florida. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims. The President asked to receive regular updates as the FBI, and other federal officials, work with the Orlando Police to gather more information, and directed that the federal government provide any assistance necessary to pursue the investigation and support the community."
The President called Sunday a heartbreaking day for everyone, especially those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender. Also expressed his gratitude for first responders.
The Administration ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until sunset on June 16 to honor the victims.

 

Universal Muslim Association of America
 

Washington, DC: The Universal Muslim Association of America (UMAA) expresses profound sadness and grief at the mass shooting which recently took place in Orlando, FL. UMAA offers its thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims and hopes for fast recovery of those who were injured.  
UMAA expressly condemns and opposes any of violence committed against any group, regardless of religious affiliation, political viewpoints, creed, color, or sexual orientation. No legitimate cause can ever be furthered by wanton acts of violence or hatred.
UMAA joins the calls from around the country in urging all Americans, including Muslims, to donate blood to help treat the injured in Orlando.

 

American Muslim Women’s Empowerment Council

 

It is with a bleeding heart that we express our deepest sympathy with the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting and the people of Orlando. 

As a Muslim, it grieves us even more that this terrorist, who claimed to be inspired by ISIS, killed human beings in the holy month of Ramadan. The Qur’an states clearly, "Whoever kills a human being, it is as though he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as though he has saved all mankind." 5:32.

Counter Terrorism, LAPD, FBI and other agencies, had reached out to Muslim communities in SoCal a month ago and informed us of almost a thousand cases of homegrown terrorism and that they needed the help of all communities to be vigilant partners. We all need to step up and realize the threat of radicalization is very REAL. The enemy is now within. 

Additionally, we must all make a concerted effort to stop hate speech against any groups. We must not stay silent when we hear bigoted speech against Muslims, against Jews and blacks, against Israel, and the LGBTQ community. It is not acceptable to stay silent anymore. Hate speech against one group is hate speech against all. 

 

 Muslim Advocates

 

“We are horrified and saddened by the mass shooting that took place at an Orlando nightclub this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the victims of this despicable act of violence. Our hearts are also with the LGBTQ community in Florida and throughout the United States. 

“The LGBTQ community has stood side by side with the American Muslim community during challenging and difficult times.  We stand together against hatred, violence and demonization of entire communities.  Today, we stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ community.  Your grief is our grief.  Your outrage is our outrage.  We are all one family.”