On Monday, hundreds of mourners returned to Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida where one year ago, Omar Mateen killed 49 people and injured another 68. The now-shuttered LGBT nightclub was surrounded by dozens of people dressed as angels while survivors hugged and recalled the events of that tragic night. President Trump marked the anniversary with a tweet honoring those who died.
We will NEVER FORGET the victims who lost their lives one year ago today in the horrific #PulseNightClub shooting. #OrlandoUnitedDay pic.twitter.com/OFFUVAFBJM
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2017
But his remembrance rang hollow given his initial reaction to the shooting one year ago.
Appreciate the congrats for being right on radical Islamic terrorism, I don't want congrats, I want toughness & vigilance. We must be smart!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016
Trump used the tragic event to praise himself for “being right on radical Islamic terrorism.” At the time of the shooting, Trump was rightfully criticized for proposing a ban on Muslims entering the United States after the ISIS- inspired San Bernardino, California shooting the previous December. Trump’s self-praise was ill-informed, being that a travel ban wouldn’t have prevented the Orlando shooting because Omar Mateen was born in the United States.
You literally CONGRATULATED yourself on this day one year ago instead of remembering the victims. Thanks for pretending to care. pic.twitter.com/n0pAj9wIt0
— Jules Suzdaltsev (@jules_su) June 12, 2017
Don't be fooled by Trump's "heartfelt" tweet, re the #Pulse victims. He congratulated himself on this date last year #OrlandoUnitedDay #MAGA pic.twitter.com/2sOu3HBK6x
— Doctor #Covfefe (@ShomahKhoobi) June 12, 2017
Most, if not all, of the Pulse victims were members of the LGBT community, a group that Trump has failed to support after claiming that he’d be a “friend.” His administration revoked protections for transgender students and he is considering a “religious liberty” executive order that would legalize LGBTQ discrimination. Trump’s choice for Vice-President, Mike Pence, was also a slap in the face to the LGBT community. Pence has a long-history of supporting anti-LGBT policies and once said that gay couples signaled a “societal collapse.”
Trump: Politicize a tragedy against gay Americans? Absolutely. Do anything to help gays? Absolutely not. Hurt gays? Sure, no problem
— Mark Rosenleaf (@markrosenleaf1) June 12, 2017
Honor the LGBTQ community who want safe spaces to exist by protecting trans kids and protect the equal rights of the LGBTQ community.
— Kristina Wong (@mskristinawong) June 12, 2017
If you want to remember the victims of the #PulseNightclub shooting, you should protect LGBT rights #OrlandoUnitedDay
— Edward Hardy (@EdwardTHardy) June 12, 2017
Until you stand up for LGBTQ people please refrain from USING us.
— LifeByWhatever (@LifeByWhatever) June 12, 2017
Good - then STOP signing away protections for LGBT people, stop encouraging bigotry, & embrace equality! Words are 1 thing, actions another.
— Maureen Tracy (@MaureenTracy2) June 12, 2017
On the last day of May, Trump issued five separate proclamations choosing June to honor Caribbean-American heritage, African-American music, homeownership, the outdoors, and the ocean. But he failed to mention LGBT Pride Month, breaking a tradition set by president Barack Obama.
Donald Trump honours Orlando victims... despite ignoring LGBT+ Pride month.https://t.co/LZHvpzU2oc pic.twitter.com/tzCeDVq3Ab
— Gay Times Magazine (@GayTimesMag) June 13, 2017
A great way to honor them would be by actually acknowledging Pride month.
— Alex Goldschmidt (@alexandergold) June 12, 2017
You and your rabid minions won't even recognize Pride Month - you and them do not get to use #OrlandoUnitedDay
— Steven (@steven_damiano) June 12, 2017
