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Las Vegas LGBT, Muslim organizations release statements on Orlando shooting

Prayer vigil tonight at The Center
Posted at 10:43 AM, Jun 12, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-12 23:56:58-04

The LGBT community and Muslim community in Las Vegas have issued statements in response to the Orlando shooting.

The Center Las Vegas held a prayer vigil Sunday at 7 p.m. to remember those lost in the Orlando shooting at Pulse nightclub.

At least 50 people have died and another 53 are injured, many critically.

The High Roller lit up rainbow Sunday night in honor of the shooting victims.

Masjid Ibrahim, a local nonprofit mosque and religious center, released a statement.
 
"On June 12, 2016, a horrendous act of terror occurred targeting members of the LGBTQ community in Orlando, FL.  Too often, such acts have involved purported Muslim attackers and more often than not, these same attackers have attempted to justify their horrendous and cowardly actions by invoking faith, the same faith that our late hero Muhammad Ali invoked while refusing to enter into armed conflict.
 
There remains no question that the heinous act committed yesterday was cowardly, pathetic, disgraceful, and the antithesis of what we promote at Masjid Ibrahim.  We maintain active ties to law enforcement and constantly do our utmost to ensure that we promote peace and harmony.  While those adopting radical views are unlikely to ever attend our mosque based on our message of love, we must assert that we stand in full solidarity with the people in Orlando, FL affected by this attack, and absolutely condemn any attack on our LGBTQ brothers and sisters worldwide."

James Healy, the president of Las Vegas Pride, also released a statement on the shooting.

"Today is a horrific day for the citizens of the United States and particularly the LGBT Community. The act of violence that was carried out in Orlando this morning is the countries worst massacre. On behalf of the Southern Nevada Association of Pride, Inc, we express our sincerest condolences to the victims, family members, friends and those who witnessed this senseless act of violence. May those who lost their lives rest in peace and those injured have a speedy and full recovery.

A time such as this calls for our community to band together more than ever as a family and show our love and support. It is a time to love each other as people and reflect just how dangerous and deadly HATE is, and the results it produces.

We don't yet have all the facts behind the motive and must not focus on speculation, rather focus on being vigilant and if you see something out of the ordinary and your instinct is telling you something is off, please say something to our local or federal authorities. Violence like this must stop and often is stopped by vigilant citizens.

June is the official Pride month designated by President Obama. This weekend alone we have more than a dozen Pride celebrations taking place across the country. Although these celebrations of who we are and the value we bring as a community will be somber as we reflect on our brothers and sisters who lost their lives or were injured last night, we must still come together as one. We must embrace all of our LGBT Community and Allies as one community and continue the conversations about ending the hate against our community and live as one. We must strive to accomplish a life where everyone enjoys full equality.

Our hearts, love and prayers go to the city of Orlando and the victims of last night. We are here and stand with you!"