Attorney General Loretta Lynch told Florida’s LGBT community that the “most effective” weapon at America’s disposal against Islamic terrorism is “love.”
Mrs. Lynch told reporters in Orlando on Tuesday that an ongoing investigation will determine the precise motive for 29-year-old Omar Mateen’s June 12 massacre at Pulse, a gay nightclub. Mateen, a former security guard, called 911 and pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group while killing 49 people and wounding 53 others.
“To the LGBT community — we stand with you,” President Obama’s attorney general said. “The good in this world far outweighs the evil. Our common humanity transcends our differences, and our most effective response to terror is compassion, it’s unity and it’s love. We stand with you today because we grieve together, and long after the cameras are gone will continue to stand with you as we grow together in commitment and solidarity and in equality.”
Mrs. Lynch added that $1 million in emergency funding for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement would be allocated “as soon as possible,” the Miami Herald reported.
The federal funds will be used to cover overtime pay and other costs incurred by Orlando’s local law enforcement agencies during the massacre, the newspaper reported.
“The message of Orlando is a message of determination to remove hatred, to remove intolerance from our midst,” Mrs. Lynch said.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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