Baltimore County Executive: 'My Heart Breaks' for Orlando After Shootings

Baltimore County, MD — After a gunman opened fire in an Orlando nightclub early Sunday, killing 50 and injuring 53 more, places across the country—including Baltimore County—are rallying behind the city and the victims.

"My heart breaks for all those affected by the mass shooting in Orlando," Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz said in a statement after the shooting at Pulse, the gay night club in Florida where the deadly shootout took place. "No one should fear for their life because of their sexual orientation. No parent should fear losing their son or daughter in such a senseless tragedy."

Kamenetz said he was "proud to live in an inclusive county and state that's worked to protect the LGBTQ community and enact some of the toughest, most sensible gun laws in the U.S. — but progress is a choice, and we still have a long road ahead of us."

He said: "My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the people of Orlando. We must continue fighting to protect the rights of the LGBTQ community here and throughout the nation."

President Barack Obama ordered flags at half-staff nationwide, and Maryland  Gov. Larry Hogan mandated Maryland flags lowered as well. Hogan said he was "shocked and saddened" by the violence at Pulse, the Orlando nightclub where the mass shooting took place.

The cofounder of Pulse now lives in Baltimore, where the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center of Baltimore and Central Maryland will host a candlelight vigil to honor the victims of the Orlando shooting at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 13. The vigil will take place at The Ynot Lot at North Avenue and Charles Street in Baltimore.

Related:

• Orlando Nightclub Shooting Death Toll at 50; Act Of Terror, Officials Say
• Pulse Nightclub Founder—Now Head of Baltimore's Hippodrome Theatre—Says He's 'Devastated and Heartbroken'
• Kevlar Helmet Saved Cop's Life In Orlando Mass Shooting
• Orlando Shooter’s Dad Laments Son's Death

Hogan released the following statement in response to the Orlando terror attack:

“The First Lady and I are shocked and saddened by the senseless violence this morning at a nightclub in Orlando. We offer our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the innocent victims of this act of terror, and our deepest gratitude to the first responders and law enforcement who responded to this tragedy with bravery and courage. I have reached out to Florida Governor Rick Scott to express our support during this time. The State of Maryland is ready and willing to provide any assistance needed..."

File Photo: Flickr Commons