ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Just one week before the community recognizes the one year mark since the mass shooting at Pulse night club, six people, including the gunman, were killed during a mass shooting at an Orange County business Monday morning.
Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings described the incident at Fiamma as an example of workplace violence, saying that the shooter is a former employee who was fired in April. There is no indication that the assailant had ties to any terrorist organizations.
As details of the mass shooting were released, leaders both locally and statewide offered the community their support and condolences. Below is a list of statements they released.
Gov. Rick Scott
"Over the past year, the Orlando community has been challenged like never before. I have been briefed by our law enforcement officials on this tragic incident and Ann and I are praying for the families who lost loved ones today. I ask all Floridians to pray for the families impacted by this senseless act of violence. I will remain in contact with the Orlando law enforcement community throughout the day as more information is made available.”
Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs
“First, I wish to express my regrets, my sympathy and my sorrow for the family members and friends of those that we lost this morning. Unfortunately, we’ve seen this scenario play itself out in our community and in other communities across the nation, and it is incumbent upon all of us not to become complacent or become callous to these horrific situations, but for each of our citizens to be vigilant… if they see something that seems abnormal, they need to say something.
I want to commend Orange County Sheriff Demings and his entire team, as well as first responders from the FBI, FDLE and our Orange County Fire Rescue for their swift action to be onsite and to assess the situation as quickly as possible. One thing we know about Central Florida is we have expert law enforcement men and women, and we have a community that cares, and that has shown that compassion time and time again. This is a community that I know will display that same compassion for the families that have lost their loved ones here today.”
Fiamma
The company is heartbroken following the unspeakable attack upon our loved ones and employees. In these dark hours we ask for thoughts and prayers for all the victims of this tragedy and their families.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Orlando Special Agent in Charge Danny Banks
“Whether it’s a terrorism incident or not, which we do not believe it is, it’s still an incident of violence in our community. So our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the victims in this incident. I give great support to the Sheriff and his staff. I know we’ve lost several individuals due to violence today, but seven other individuals' lives were saved by the quick actions of the Orange County sheriff's deputies that got here within two minutes of this incident occurring. I think that’s an important recognition we give those deputies and members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.”
Orange County Commissioner Emily Bonilla
Our prayers are with the families of the victims and survivors of the tragedy this morning. As a mother and fellow member of the community, my heart goes out to all affected by the unfortunate events earlier today. It is a somber time for our community as we also observe the anniversary of the Pulse shooting. Nevertheless, we will continue to stand in unity and offer our support in the spirit of healing.
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Full Sail University
"Full Sail University joins the surrounding Winter Park and Orlando communities is sharing its deep sadness of the news of the tragic shooting that occurred this morning off campus to the south in the area of Forsyth Road and Hanging Moss Road. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims during this difficult time.
While this event did not occur on campus and has no relation to the university, Full Sail remains in close communication with local law enforcement regarding their assessment of the incident. The Full Sail University campus, like all the other campuses in the area, has not been made aware of any ongoing threat, and will remain open at this time. Friends and family, we are safe - thank you all for reaching out with your concerns. I want to ensure everyone that we are all ok - our family is safe. This is a tragic, horrible situation to happen so close to home."
University of Central Florida Police Department
"Thinking of all impacted by the #Fiamma tragedy. Sending wishes of strength & peace to victims’ loved ones, survivors & first responders."
Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum
“My deepest sympathies go out to the victims’ families and friends after today’s tragedy in (Orange County). It has been a difficult year for the Orlando area - one punctuated by the worst mass shooting in American history and a tragedy where two law enforcement officers lost their lives. But the community has rallied together to stand united in love and solidarity, and in the wake of today’s mass shooting, I pray they find the strength to continue to do so. We must do more to stop Florida’s epidemic of gun violence - not simply send our thoughts and prayers in the wake of lost lives.”
LYNX
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families in today's tragedy. This community has shown tremendous resolve to rebound and will continue to heal and grow together."
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson
“The city of Orlando, which is still healing from the Pulse massacre, has seen too much violence this past year. We must do more to address mental health issues in this country.”
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam
“In the wake of today’s shooting in Orange County, my prayers are with the victims, their loved ones, first responders and the entire the Central Florida community.”
Polk County Sheriff's Office
"In light of the tragedy in Orange County we want to extend our sympathies to the families, and praise for OCSO during this tense situation."
Click here for the latest updates on the mass shooting at Fiamma.