Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), who represents the site of the September 11th World Trade Center terrorist attacks as well as one of the largest LGBT communities in the country, released the following statement in response to the deadliest mass shooting in American history at an LGBT nightclub in Orlando early Sunday morning.
 
“We are all horrified by the terrorist attack at a LGBT club in Orlando, leaving 50 dead and more than fifty wounded.  My prayers are with the victims and their families.
 
“The resources of the federal government, including FBI, Homeland Security, and the Department of Justice, must be brought in to fully investigate the attack and provide support to the local community.  Reports that an assault weapon—purchased last week in the United States—was used in the attack, and that the shooter pledged allegiance to ISIS, are both deeply disturbing.
 
“From what we know at this time, this tragedy seems to be both a terrorist attack and a hate crime directed against the LGBT community.  It is also clear that far fewer people would have been killed or wounded if the attacker had not had access to a deadly assault weapon.  Once again, the necessity of controlling access to military-style assault weapons, whose only purpose is to kill large numbers of people as quickly and easily as possible, is made tragically clear.  We must pass legislation that I have long supported to re-institute the assault weapon ban, and I hope Congress will finally take the action needed.  Furthermore, we must continue to support efforts to destroy ISIS and other terrorist organizations which threaten America and our allies at home, and abroad.
 
“On the same day as the horrific shootings in Orlando, a suspect was taken into custody in California targeting the Los Angeles Pride festival, with assault weapons and explosives found in his car. This demonstrates the importance of hate crime legislation, which we worked hard to pass into federal law to make it easier to investigate and prosecute such crimes.  We must continue to take action to crack down on hate crimes against the LGBT community, whether affiliated with terror groups like ISIS or the actions of an individual filled with hatred and bigotry.
 
“I want to thank the local police for their brave efforts in responding to the incident and to the local first responders for aiding the many wounded.
 
“As we celebrate Pride this month, this horrific attack must be investigated as both a hate crime and a terrorist attack.  We must, and I am confident that we will, come together as a community to honor these victims and mourn their loss.”