DeSantis follows Trump admin by omitting reference to LGBT community in Pulse anniversary order

Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday took a page from the Trump administration by omitting a reference to the LGBTQ and Hispanic communities in his annual order honoring the anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting.

The shooting, which took place in 2016, greatly affected both communities in Florida because it occurred at a gay nightclub in Orlando. The governor has mentioned the communities in past statements, but he appears to be following the Trump administration's recent decisions not to focus on diversity and inclusion issues.

The governor ordered flags to fly at half-staff to honor the victims of the shooting, which killed 49 people and wounded 53. In previous orders he referred to the shooting as a “horrific act of terrorism against the LGBTQ and Hispanic communities," but the most recent order simply says it was a "horrific act of terrorism," The Hill noted.

A statement from Florida GOP Sen. Ashley Moody also does not refer to the LGBTQ or Hispanic communities, but a statement from Florida GOP Sen. Rick Scott, who was governor at the time of the shooting, does.

“It’s been nine years since the tragic attack at Pulse Nightclub, where 49 innocent lives were taken in an act of terror targeting Orlando’s LGBTQ and Hispanic communities," Scott said. "I still remember the days and weeks that followed, sitting with grieving families and loved ones, feeling the heartbreak and loss that will never fully heal. 

"That horrible night was meant to spread fear and hatred, but instead, it united Floridians," he continued. "We came together to bring light through the darkness of that night, to support one another, and to honor those taken from us too soon. Every year, we pause to commemorate the lives lost on June 12, 2016, and remind ourselves to always stand against evil and hate that seeks to divide us.”

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.