Crime & Safety
ORL Shooting Prompts Michigan FBI to Meet with LGBTQ Leaders
Special Agent David Gelios emphasized the FBI's commitment to protecting civil rights.
When an American-born man who pledged allegiance to ISIS gunned down 49 people and wounded 53 at a gay nightclub in Orlando Sunday, authorities called it the deadliest mass shooting in United States history and the nation's worst terror attack since 9/11.
Following the attack, LGBTQ Americans across the country felt an immediate loss of safety and security.
In an attempt to show support and demonstrate their commitment to the LGBTQ community, Special Agent in Charge David P. Gelios, FBI – Detroit and United States Attorney Barbara McQuade, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Michigan hosted a gathering of LGBTQ community leaders from a variety of groups in Southeastern Michigan, according to a news release.
The meeting included Reverend Juan Perez of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan, and representatives from Equality Michigan, the Ruth Ellis Center, Affirmations, LGBT Detroit, and the Detroit Police Department.
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A representative of the Department of Justice’s Community Relations Service, which works to foster community collaboration to address conflicts and tensions arising from differences of race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and disability, also participated in the meeting.
"Despite the tragic circumstances that prompted today's gathering, it was uplifting to witness the passionate and empowering conversations that were shared among the LGBTQ community leaders and our law enforcement partners" Gelios said in a news release.
“In the aftermath of the Orlando shooting, it is essential to reassure the people of Michigan of the FBI’s commitment to protecting the civil rights of all persons.”
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"The U.S. Attorney's office brings prosecutions and enforces civil rights laws to protect all residents of our region, including members of the LGBT community." McQuade said. "We are working closely with leaders of LGBT organizations to ensure the security of individuals or groups who may be potential targets of hate crimes."
"Detroit’s LGBT community organizations are pleased to receive support and resources from the Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation,” says Curtis Lipscomb of LGBT Detroit. "The horrible tragedy in Orlando was deeply saddening, yet we gathered to ensure the safety of those we serve."
Image credit: Patch file photo
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