Kirk, Duckworth Among Local Leaders Speaking Out Over Orlando Shooting

As details continued to come to light in the wake of Sunday morning's mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, FL, politicians and community leaders representing the Chicago area spoke out against the horrific attack that has left at least 50 people dead.

More Patch Coverage

• LATEST: 50 Dead, Dozens Wounded at Gay Nightclub In Orlando in Worst Mass Shooting in U.S. History
• Chicago's Elected Officials, Club Owners Express Anger at Orlando Gay Bar Mass Shooting

The following is a roundup of some of those statements:  

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL)

Durbin, who also is the second-ranking Democrat in the Senate, also told Reuters on Sunday that Congress would be complicit in the country's next mass shooting if it didn't pass new gun laws:

"We have the power to act, and we must. The bottom line is that we allow dangerous people to buy guns in America and that has got to change. In the coming days, Congress must take a stand against hate, terrorism, and this horrific gun violence.”

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL)

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of this hateful terrorist act that targeted the Orlando gay community. Gunman Omar Mateen's motivations remind us of the immediate threat the Islamic State poses to our country and the need for swift action to protect Americans from future attacks here at home."

U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-8th District)

U.S. Rep. Robert Dold (R-10th District)

"Our collective hearts break for the victims and all the families suffering unimaginable pain today due to the horrifying terror attack that targeted America's LGBT community.  This hateful attack reminds us once more that the growing threat of ISIS-inspired, radical Islamic terrorism on U.S. soil is real and cannot be ignored or downplayed. An attack on one American is an attack on us all; we cannot allow the tired, partisan bickering to distract us from the difficult but necessary work of defeating terrorism, preventing gun violence and putting an end to hateful bigotry of all kinds."

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel

"Last night's horrifying act of terrorism in Orlando was an attack on our most fundamental values as Americans. On behalf of the City of Chicago, Amy and I send our deepest condolences to the friends and family members of those who were lost. June is a time when all Chicagoans and all Americans proudly celebrate the contributions of our LGBT community. This horrendous violence will only deepen our resolve to continue building a society that values everyone, regardless of who they love. The thoughts and prayers of Chicago will remain with the victims of this attack as they seek comfort and courage in the days ahead."

Archbishop Blase J. Cupich, Archdiocese of Chicago

"Our prayers and hearts are with the victims of the mass shooting in Orlando, their families and our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters.

"We are grateful to the first responders and civilians who heroically put themselves in harm’s way, providing an enduring reminder of what compassion and bravery look like--even in the face of such horror and danger.

"In response to hatred, we are called to sow love. In response to violence, peace. And, in response to intolerance, tolerance.

"The people of the Archdiocese of Chicago stand with the victims and their loved ones, and reaffirm our commitment, with Pope Francis, to address the causes of such tragedy, including easy access to deadly weapons. We can no longer stand by and do nothing."

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