The first lady of Puerto Rico, Wilma Pastrana Jimenez was visibly in pain when watching the Facebook video that Martin Torres Benitez sent his family in Puerto Rico, just hours before his death.
Benitez Martin Torres, a native of Puerto Rico Rio Grande had just arrived in Orlando to visit family on Saturday June 11. That night he went to Pulse, becoming one of the people shot by Omar Mateen.
Con la family en Orlando
Posted by Martin B'nitez on Saturday, June 11, 2016
Mrs. Jimenez Pastrana said that Puerto Rico is very sad for the slaughter occurred at Pulse. Many of the young deceased and survivors arrived in Florida, 'our second home' as the First Lady says, to be with family, to live a better life.
Besides New York, Orlando has the second largest population of Puerto Ricans in the United States. Mrs. Jimenez Pastrana estimates that one million Puerto Ricans live in Central Florida. Orlando is the fastest growing city of Puerto Ricans, possibly beating New York in the near future.
"A lot of sadness, much consternation, much pain. Because I know that young people were seeking opportunities, were seeking peace in their lives as well. It was a Saturday night, as any of us could have been, enjoying family, having a good time," said Wilma Pastrana Jimenez, First Lady of Puerto Rico. "There is no reason that justifies this heinous act, killing so many lives, not just Puerto Ricans, but all"
"My message to the people is to stay united, to find what makes us better. In every step that a citizen takes forward, the country will move forward. "
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The government of Puerto Rico, empowered the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration, PRFAA, to help families, on the island and in the Central Florida area, so they can get help during this tragic time. PRFAA has joined forces with municipal, state and federal agencies, the Red Cross and Salvation Army.
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The Help Center is at the Camping World Stadium, formerly known as Citrus Bowl, to help with medical services, counseling, victim compensation, air and ground transportation to relatives of the victims, housing, legal assistance, and also help with funeral services.
The center is located at 1 Pl Citrus Bowl, Orlando, FL 32805
It will be open until Sunday 19 June, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
PRFAA is publishing more information on aid and projects through his twitter account @PRFAA
Join us on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. on WFTV Channel 9 and here on WFTV.com for “Stories from Orlando Strong” — a 30-minute special looking back at the shooting tragedy, stories of hope and survival, and how our communities have pulled together to heal.
Cox Media Group
