Tragedy struck our nation when a terrorist attacked a gay nightclub in Orlando over the weekend. An American-born man — who had pledged allegiance to ISIS — gunned down 49 people in what authorities call the nation’s worst terror attack since 9/11.
Even Hillary Clinton, who had been unwilling to use the phrase “Islamic terrorist” until prodded into it today, has recognized he event for what it was – a terrorist attack inspired by ISIS. Unfortunately, Democrat leaders in Washington State chose to completely ignore the reality of terrorism that results from radical Islam.
Here are the head-in-the-sand statements released by Jay Inslee, King County Executive Dow Constantine, and Seattle Mayor Ed Murray:
Inslee: “This morning we wake up to see this horrific tragedy in Orlando. We are all waiting to learn more about the motivations of this man but there is no doubt that today is one of unimaginable sorrow for the LGBTQ community, the people of Florida, for our nation and for people everywhere who are sickened by such an act of hatred.”
Constantine: “We’ve made enormous progress as a nation to protect the civil and human rights of our LGBT brothers and sisters, but the worst mass shooting in U.S. history is another stark reminder that hate and violence remain — and must be actively opposed…
“Whatever the motives or causes, mass gun violence in our schools, churches, streets, shopping malls and clubs must be stopped, but that will require strong and decisive action.”
Murray: “Words cannot adequately encompass the feelings of grief I am feeling for the loss of so many of our LGBTQ and allied brothers and sisters in Orlando during the largest single act of violence against LGBTQ people in United States history. For too long, our community has been the target of violence throughout the world. It will never make sense to me that love is met with such hate.
“On behalf of the people of the City of Seattle, my heart and my thoughts go out to those whose lives were forever changed by the events last night. Today our community draws closer to one another for comfort, support and healing, and to honor those who were tragically lost.”
Note that not one of the statements make any mention of terrorism — only vague hints at gun control, a wedge issue that Democrats hope to use to their advantage in the fall elections.
The Orlando shooting was indeed a tragedy. But for Jay Inslee, Dow Constantine and Ed Murray to ignore its root cause, for primarily partisan reasons, is deeply unfortunate.
