Chicago's Elected Officials, Club Owners Express Anger at Orlando Gay Bar Mass Shooting

Photo: ABC News

CHICAGO, IL, June 12, 2016 -- Chicagoans woke up to stunning news of the worst mass shooting in U.S. history that some are terming a terrorist attack, after a lone gunman opened fire inside a gay nightclub in Orlando, FL, early Sunday morning.

About 350 patrons were drinking and dancing at Pulse, a popular gay nightclub in downtown Orlando. The death toll stands at 50 and over 53 people injured. The shooting is being investigated as a terrorist act.

Ald. James Cappleman (46th), a member of the Chicago City Council’s LGBT Caucus, and whose ward covers Boystown where there are a large number of gay bars and clubs are situated, says he has already been in contact with the 19th Police District commander.

“There is nothing that we’re hearing that it could happen here in Chicago but extra [police] security is being taken for the LGBT community," Cappleman said.

The alderman said he learned of the shooting when he woke up early Sunday morning and saw it on the internet.

“Whenever there is a terrorist act like this on one particular group of people, the protocol is for the FBI to contact police throughout the country to see if there is a copycat threat,” Cappleman said. “There is no sense that could happen here but it doesn’t stop us from taking extra precautions just in case.”

Police security is being stepped up for Chicago’s upcoming Pride Week and parade scheduled for later this month, but those were already in place before Sunday’s mass shooting in Orlando. Cappleman said he planned to speak to Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) about increased security for the gay clubs and bars on Halsted Street.

“Our thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort to all as they grieve,” Cappleman said. “This is a shameful act but it doesn’t speak for most people in this country who have profound respect for all different kinds of people from all different cultures.”

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th) and part of the LGBT Caucus also expressed his shock in a Facebook post:

Chicago's gay bars and clubs were also quick to express their outrage and solidarity with Orlando's LGBT community, and the family and friends of the slain and injured.

Our Thoughts Are With Those At @pulseorlando Tonight. #PulseOrlando
— Roscoes Tavern (@Roscoestavern) June 12, 2016

Our prayers and thoughts go out to victims of this brutal tragedy in Florida. These cowards who attacked... https://t.co/b3NEXoiabX
— Hydrate Night Club (@HydrateChicago) June 12, 2016

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle issued a statement in response to the Orlando shooting.

"The horrific massacre in Orlando is another unfortunate example of how hate and intolerance have no place in a civil and caring society. My condolences go out to the families and friends of all who were caught up in this senseless act of violence. Our strength as a nation is our diversity, and as such we must promote respect, education and tolerance so that we are not confronted with yet another sad chapter in what has become an all-too-common tale of bloodshed in recent years."