“So this is a sobering reminder that attacks on any American—regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation—is an attack on all of us and on the fundamental values of equality and dignity that define us as a country. And no act if hate or terror will ever change who we are or the values that make us Americans.” — Barack Obama, U.S. President
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” — 1 Corinthians 13:4 -13
“I am shocked and saddened by the senseless attack that occurred early this morning in Orlando. On behalf of all New Yorkers, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, the injured and their loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time. New Yorkers stand in solidarity with the people of Florida and the LGBT community, and I have directed flags at state buildings to be flown at half-staff in the memory of those who were lost in this terrible act of mass murder.” — Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York State
“I join with President Obama in condemning the act of violence and hatred that occurred early this morning at an Orlando nightclub which ended with fifty people dead. This was a terrorist attack and reminds us that there are those who continue to discriminate against members of our communities based on gender, the color of our skin, the religion we follow and our sexual orientation. The thoughts and prayers of Albany County residents are with members of the LGBTQ community as well as the family and friends of those senselessly murdered and I have ordered flags at all county office buildings to be flown at half-staff. I praise the heroic actions of first responders who undoubtedly saved additional lives.” — Daniel McCoy, Albany County Executive
“Last night, at least fifty innocent people gathering to celebrate love and life were brutally killed in an act of pure hate and unspeakable terror. Scores of others were injured in the attack. They were our brothers and our sisters; our friends, neighbors, and loved ones. In the coming days, we will learn more about these fifty souls and the lives they lived and the world they made better.” — Joseph Biden, U.S. Vice President
“The terrible massacre that has taken place in Orlando, with its dreadfully high number of innocent victims, has caused in Pope Francis, and in all of us, the deepest feelings of horror and condemnation, of pain and turmoil before this new manifestation of homicidal folly and senseless hatred. Pope Francis joins the families of the victims and all of the injured in prayer and in compassion. Sharing in their indescribable suffering he entrusts them to the Lord so they may find comfort. We all hope that ways may be found, as soon as possible, to effectively identify and contrast the causes of such terrible and absurd violence which so deeply upsets the desire for peace of the American people and of the whole of humanity.” — The Vatican
“When senseless acts of tragedy remind us/That nothing here is promised, not one day/This show is proof that history remembers/We live through times when hate and fear seem stronger/We rise and fall and light from dying embers/Remembrances that hope and love lasts long/And love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love/Cannot be killed or swept aside.” — Lin-Manuel Mirando, playwright, while accepting a Tony Award for “Hamilton”