» ATTORNEY GENERAL BILL MCCOLLUM

“A terrible tragedy has occurred in my home town of Orlando, and my heart goes out to the family and friends of the victims. I have full faith in the local authorities as they work to bring the responsible party or parties to justice, and I offer whatever support my office has available if needed.”

» CONGRESSMAN ALAN GRAYSON

“For the second time in as many days, this country must deal with a heinous act of violence. Sadly, this time it is in the place we call home. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families. As I watch the events unfold live from Washington D.C., I am convinced that members of the Orlando Police and Orlando Fire Department are doing everything in their power to tend to the wounded, ensure the safety of the public, and find the person responsible for this terrible crime.”

At the request of Congressman Grayson and the other members of the Florida delegation, the House of Representatives observed a moment of silence.

BACKGROUND: The scene of the shooting is in the 8th Congressional District, and is about one mile from the Congressman’s District Office. All employees and interns working in the Congressman’s office are safe.

» U.S. REP. KENDRICK B. MEEK (D-FL)

“The tragic shootings in Fort Hood yesterday and in Orlando today will forever change the course of life for scores of innocent people and their families. Ordinary citizens have performed extraordinary actions of courage today, and my thoughts and prayers are with members of the Orlando community affected by this awful tragedy. Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings, Orlando Police Chief Val Demings and members of the first responder community in Central Florida are among the best in the nation and are well trained to react to this emergency.”

» MARCO RUBIO FORMER FLORIDA HOUSE SPEAKER

“Jeanette and I are saddened by today’s violence in Orlando. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, the medical personnel caring for them, and the brave men and women of Orlando’s law enforcement community.”