Soto Attends President Biden's Signing of His Bill with Reps. Demings and Murphy to Designate the National Pulse Memorial

Press Release

Today, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) attended President Joe Biden's signing of his bill with Reps. Val Demings (FL-10) and Stephanie Murphy (FL-07) to designate the National Pulse Memorial, H.R. 49. Pulse Nightclub was an LGBTQ club in Orlando, Florida, and it was a vibrant spot in the community. On June 12, 2016, while Pulse was hosting a "Latin Night," 49 innocent lives were stolen in what is now known as one of the deadliest mass shootings in the United States. Congressman Soto provided the following statement following the signing.

"Today, President Joe Biden completed the final step needed to recognize the Pulse Nightclub shooting as a true national tragedy. For the past five years, I have been humbled by the support our Orlando community has received from those who connected to our grief and became part of the movement to honor our 49 angels and 53 injured with action.

"Though the pain and helplessness tied to the memories of that night and the weeks following will never subside, it is our responsibility to ensure that those we lost are remembered for the fruitful lives they led during their time here on Earth. It is comforting to know that we will now have a national platform to showcase the impacts they had on their loved ones and our community.

"I hope the memorial will also serve as a reminder that intolerance and injustice will never go unchallenged in Central Florida. Our Orlando Strong community will forever be defined by the strength we have shown in the face of unspeakable tragedy. The spirits of the 49 angels we lost that night will always live in my heart and serve as a reminder to lead with love and empathy."

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