CT Leaders Demand End to Gun Violence After Orlando Mass Shooting, Increased Patrols Planned

At least 50 people are confirmed dead after a gunman opened fire in an Orlando, Florida nightclub early Sunday.

Here, at home in Connecticut, news of the mass shooting opened old wounds that will never quite heal and yet another call to end gun violence. On December 14, 2012, a gunman shot and killed 20 children and 6 adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Hours after the Orlando shooting, Sandy Hook Promise and the state’s two U.S. Senators, Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, demanded an end to gun violence. Murphy issued a scathing rebuke of Congress.

“Not again,” Murphy said on social media. “My heart breaks for Orlando, the families and the friends and the wounded. Congress's heartless, intentional silence has become a quiet message of endorsement to would be shooters contemplating mass murder.”

See related: BREAKING: Orlando Nightclub Shooting Death Toll at 50; Act Of Terror, Officials Say

• Orlando Shooter and Timeline: What We Know So Far

Blumenthal echoed Murphy’s comments and said on social media, “Our nation continues to suffer from this epidemic of #GunViolence. Senate inaction on commonsense #GunViolencePrevention makes it complicit.”

In a statement, Sandy Hook Promise said, “our hearts break for the devastated families and friends” killed or wounded. More than 50 people were also wounded in the mass shooting.

• Related story: Remembering Sandy Hook Victims 3 Years Later

“We, and too many other families across the country, understand their pain and sorrow now and in the days and years to come. Our thoughts remain with them, the loved ones killed, those injured, and the countless traumatized,” the statement reads.

Sandy Hook Promise said while reports state the Orlando mass shooting was an act of terrorism the fact remains that “every American should be able to feel safe to enjoy a night out in any place, during any month, and at any time. Just like we should all expect to be safe at the movies, at church, and at school.”

“...We know that these atrocities can often make a person feel helpless or like hope is lost. It is not. We must stand together and work for an end to gun violence in America.

We must work tirelessly until we are able to live in a world that is safer for all. Join us to honor the lives lost by vowing to do all you can to help prevent gun violence. Make the Promise, talk to your legislators, get your community involved, and encourage kindness and inclusion. Our hearts are in Orlando right now, but our collective actions are needed from every community across America,” Sandy Hook Promise said in a statement.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said the state continues to monitor the shooting in Orlando and he offered condolences to the families and loved ones.

Malloy also announced that – in accordance with a proclamation from President Barack Obama directing flags to be lowered to honor the victims of the mass shooting in Orlando, Florida – U.S. and state flags in Connecticut will fly at half-staff beginning immediately until sunset on June 16.

Increased Patrols

The New Haven Police Department is paying close attention to public gathering and LGBTQ venues in the wake of the tragic attack on a popular nightclub early this morning in Orlando, Florida, police spokesman David Hartman said in a news release.

New Haven Police Chief Dean M Esserman has ordered officers to focus on the city’s public gathering places – especially nightclubs, concert halls, LGBTQ venues, theaters and public spaces.

“We stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ community and our partners in policing as we denounce this deliberately perpetrated act of violence”, said Esserman. “Our community is a greatly diverse one and we are a police department that sees everyone equally”’ he said.

There is no known threat of violence to New Haven or other Connecticut communities, police said.

"We are responding with an abundance of caution, Hartman said. "As we move into summer, Patrol Operations will assess the need for supplemental patrols around such venues and gatherings. People are encouraged to report suspicious activity and people to local law enforcement.

"The city of New Haven is safer now than in recent memory. We intend to keep it that way, in part by urging folks to keep a watchful eye, act safely and be vigilant," Hartman said.

Hartford police say they too are working closely with federal officials and monitoring the region and the region's safety.