Andy Janecek, President of Capital Equality, a chartered chapter of the Florida Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Allies Democratic Caucus, has released the following statement in response to the horrific acts of terror that took place at Pulse nightclub in Orlando earlier this morning:

“The thoughts and prayers of our members are with the Orlando community and all those affected by this senseless tragedy. Since the early days of the LGBT equality movement, bars and restaurants catering to LGBT clientele have served as social hubs and resources for our community. The terroristic acts that have taken place this morning have tarnished our feelings of safety and security within a space that many of us have frequented,” said Janecek.

He added, “Not since the Stonewall Riots of June 28, 1969, has our community been attacked so aggressively in a space that we called our own. In this time of sadness, we call on all members of the human race, to remember that we share this world as one. Our society is diverse, but we all respond to sadness in the same way. We must work together, as one common family, to rid the world of terrorism and hate and to restore equality and justice for all.”