Last night more than 100 people were shot in the Pulse Nightclub, an Orlando Gay Bar, and at least 50 were killed. Today we stand together with all the victims in Orlando.

We are horrified, sickened, and in shock at this senseless act of terror and hate. It is an attack against all LGBTQ+ people and indeed all of us.

We must remember that the LGBTQ+ community comes together in very few places in our society, the gay bar is the most iconic. It is a place were we are free to assemble. It is a place were we are free to associate. It is a place were we are free to express ourselves. It is a place were we are able to be ourselves when, despite our gains, in most other places in our society we remain less free.

An attack against one group’s most fundamental civil liberties and human rights is an attack against all people. We must remember that our rights were won by thousands who fought for decades to win them. Today is a reminder that people still live among us that would take our rights away. We cannot let anyone move to take these rights away from any of us. We must always stand together to protect all of our liberties. The freedom to be ourselves, express who we are, be together, associate with anyone, and freely love who we choose should never be taken lightly.

Remember those who lost their lives today for our freedoms won. Remember those who were injured. Remember those who escaped and witnessed this horrendous act. Remember their family, friends, coworkers, associates and everyone in their lives. It touches all of them to their core, and it matters to all of us.

Today I remain free in remembrance of those lives lost before me.