Orlando shooting draws local reaction

The weekend shooting at a gay night club in Orlando, which left at least 50 dead and dozens more injured, is being described as an act of terror and an act of hate.

“It was absolutely a horrible tragedy,” said Congressman Peter King, of Seaford, a member of the Homeland Security Committee. “It’s just another reminder how dangerous and evil ISIS is.”

King said it is scary how quickly these attacks can be carried out, and this incident shows that enemies are “living within our midst.” He added that more surveillance is needed of certain people, and that the FBI needs to provide more information about potential terrorists to local police agencies.

He also said that safety must trump political correctness. King explained that while the vast majority of Muslims living in the United States are good Americans, that is the population where the enemy comes from.

The Rev. Christopher Hofer, pastor the Church of St. Jude in Wantagh, stated the importance of not blaming an entire group of individuals for this attack. “Islam is an amazing religion filled with wonderful people who do wonderful good,” he said. “We need stand firmly with our Muslim brother and sisters. We need to pray and work for peace, pray for those who died in those attack and those injured.”

Isma H. Chaudhry, president of the Islamic Center of Long Island in Westbury, condemned the attack, calling it a horrific shooting.

“Islam strictly condemns extremism and the use of violence against innocent lives,” he said. “Targeting civilians’ lives through any method of attack is forbidden and those who commit these acts are criminals. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this mass shooting and their families as they recover from this terrible tragedy.” 

Hofer said what is most troubling about the attack is that it was directed at the LGBT community. “I am a priest, American, and member of LGBT,” he said, “so this is very hard not to take personally. It is personal. It’s an attack on America and on me.”

The pastor said that a desire to seek revenge is a valid, normal feeling in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, but that anger must be channeled correctly. “I firmly believe it is the government’s responsibility to track down those who commit acts of terror,” he said. “I can try to live the example to the world that these acts of terror will not cause me to become angry.”

King added that the United States needs to remain on high alert, especially with the Fourth of July nearing, and ISIS encouraging attacks at home and in Europe. However, he said, that should not stop people from going about their normal lives.

Briana Bonfiglio and Julie Mansmann contributed to this story.