Elected Officials React to Orlando Terrorist Attack

Many members of Georgia’s congressional delegation reacted to Sunday’s terrorist attack at a gay nightclub in Orlando. Some issued press releases, while others took to social media for their response. Here’s what they had to say:

Governor Nathan Deal, via Twitter:

Sandra & I join Georgians in praying for the comfort & healing of all those affected by this cowardly and despicable act of terror. In honor of & as a mark of respect for those who lost their lives, we join the federal government in ordering the flag to half-staff.

Senator Johnny Isakson, via press release:

Dianne and I send our thoughts and prayers to the families and loved ones of those so tragically murdered this morning in Orlando, Fla.

Acts of terrorism such as this should only strengthen our resolve as Americans to protect our freedoms and the ideals that make our country great. Radical terrorism is a threat to those ideals. We should pursue those responsible and those who support them with the full force and power of our country wherever the pursuit takes us.

The people of Orlando, from the first responders to neighbors that woke up to this horrific news, continue stepping forward to help each other – whether it is directly as in the case of first responders, or by giving blood and raising up prayers. I thank each of them as we pray for our nation.

Senator David Perdue, via press release:

My heart breaks for those injured and killed this morning in this horrific act of terror. Bonnie and I join our fellow Georgians in lifting up the victims and their families during this devastating time. We also offer our support to the brave law enforcement officials and the state of Florida as they work to aid the victims and investigate this reprehensible act of mass violence.

First District Rep. Buddy Carter, via Facebook:

Horrific news out of Orlando this morning and I send my prayers to the victims, their family and friends, the first responders, and all those affected by this tragedy. While details are still emerging, this appears to be the worst terrorist attack on American soil since 9/11.

As ISIS sympathizers praise the vicious attack, we must rid the earth of the scourge that is radical Islamic terrorism once and for all. The evil will continue to spread until we finally destroy violent extremism at its core.

Fourth District Rep. Hank Johnson, via Facebook:

I offer prayers for — and condolences to — the families and friends of those who died in the Orlando shooting. I am also sending strong prayers that the wounded recover from their injuries. ‪#‎Pulse‬

Fifth District Rep. John Lewis, via press release:

As the details of this tragic incident become more clear, I am deeply saddened and very disturbed by what has been visited on the Orlando community. As I said earlier today, how many more must die? How long must we wander through this dark killing field filled with the broken bodies of hundreds—even precious little children—before we finally take strong action against the accessibility of assault weapons in this country?

We have the right in a democratic society to differ with others, to choose alternate lifestyles and places of worship. And we even have the right to find fault with others and debate these issues passionately in the public square, but there is nothing—not one thing, not anything—that can justify the murder of innocent people.

This is a terrible vicious act that must be condemned by the community of nations. I hope it will remind all of us of the critical urgency to build a society and a world community that does not so readily reach for violence as a way to solve human problems. And I hope it will compel us to seriously reflect on the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who said,“We must learn to live together as brothers and sisters, or we will all perish together as fools.

The people of the 5th Congressional District of Georgia send their most profound and heartfelt prayers to the people of Orlando. We lift up the victims, their families and the LGBTQ community of Orlando. We pray they will all be rocked and soothed in the protective arms of unconditional divine love in the difficult and dark days of healing that lie ahead.

6th District Rep Tom Price, via Twitter:

Deeply saddened by the senseless terrorist attack in Orlando. Our thoughts & prayers are w/ the victims, their families, & first-responders.

Eighth District Rep. Austin Scott, via Facebook:

Please join me in praying for the victims of the terror attack in Orlando last night. Let us pray for those we lost and for those affected, and thank the first responders who bravely rushed to protect and save lives.

Ninth District Rep. Doug Collins, via Facebook:

Praying for the ‪#‎Orlando‬ victims and their families in the wake of this horrible, senseless tragedy. We pray for law enforcement, the first responders, and the medical team treating the victims who are still in critical condition. We must fight radical Islam with everything we have, and call this what it is – an act of terrorism.

10th District Rep. Jody Hice, via press release:

Our Nation has sustained another attack at the hands of a radical Islamic terrorist. Reports state that the terrorist had sworn allegiance to ISIS. This attack is unfortunately just the latest example that these terrorist thugs will stop at nothing to import their extremist ideology and violence to our homeland.

As we pray for the victims and families of this senseless and cowardly attack, we must recognize that radical Islamic terrorists are a threat to all Americans, and we must use whatever means necessary to protect our country from these savages. We need a clear strategy to annihilate these terrorists and their networks once and for all.

11th District Rep. Barry Loudermilk, via Facebook:

Please join us in praying for the victims and families of the Orlando attack.