Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is facing strong criticism after his official statement for the Pulse nightclub shooting remembrance did not mention the LGBTQ or Hispanic communities, two groups that were deeply affected by the tragedy.
On June 12, people across the U.S. remembered the 49 lives lost in the 2016 mass shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando.
It was one of the deadliest attacks in modern U.S. history and directly targeted the LGBTQ community, with many of the victims being young, Hispanic LGBTQ people.
DeSantis released a written statement marking the anniversary. While he acknowledged the day and the loss of life, he did not mention the LGBTQ or Hispanic communities at all.
This has upset many activists, families of the victims, and local leaders, who say this kind of silence is disrespectful and erases the identity of those who were targeted.
People online and in Orlando called out the statement, saying it was “deliberate” and showed a lack of support for the communities most affected. Local organizations like The Center Orlando and Equality Florida said the governor’s message felt empty and removed the real meaning behind the remembrance.
Many feel that the omission is not accidental, especially considering that DeSantis has signed several laws in recent years that critics say harm LGBTQ rights, such as restrictions on gender discussions in schools and the banning of certain LGBTQ books.
In contrast, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris both mentioned the LGBTQ community directly in their tributes.
Biden called the attack “a strike at the heart of our nation’s values,” and said he remains committed to fighting hate in all forms.
DeSantis has not responded to the backlash. This is not the first time he’s been criticized for not recognizing the LGBTQ community during Pulse anniversaries. Last year, too, his statement did not include any specific mention.
For many, Pulse is more than just a tragic event. It’s a symbol of the need for equality and recognition. When leaders fail to name the communities affected, people feel like the pain of the past is being ignored.
As Florida continues to deal with political debates over LGBTQ rights, many say this moment shows how much representation still matters—and how silence from those in power can hurt just as much as harmful laws.