In the aftermath of of the terrorist attack on a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., one Democratic senator was quick to call the attack, which killed 50 people and wounded 53 more, not terrorism, but a “public health crisis.”
Senator Richard Blumenthal of Conn. released a statement which read:
As we learn more in shock and horror about the deadliest mass shooting in our history, my heart breaks for the families of loves ones lost or injured – and for our nation, continuing to suffer from this unspeakable epidemic of gun violence. The Senate’s inaction on commonsense gun violence prevention makes it complicit in this public health crisis. The American public is beseeching us to act on commonsense, sensible gun violence prevention measures, and must heed that call. (Emphasis added.)
The statement from the Democrat was released before it became known that the killer, Omar Mateen, had pledged his support for Islamic State in a 911 call and ISIS had claimed credit for the attack.