WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement in response to the shooting that took place at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida this weekend.

“There aren’t adequate words to describe what took place in Orlando early yesterday morning,” said Senator Coons. “This atrocity was more than a cowardly act of terrorism and a violent rampage of hate against the LGBTQ community — it was also an attack on our freedoms and our way of life. Yet, rather than encouraging us to question our values, this tragedy should cause us to redouble our basic commitments to freedom, acceptance, and openness. 

"I want to express my deepest condolences and offer my prayers to the families and friends who are grieving for the loss of their loved ones. My heart breaks for them at this unbelievably difficult time. I also thank Orlando’s first responders and law enforcement officers for their bravery during this tragedy.”