Monument honors 49 lives lost in 2016 Orlando shooting, marking a somber milestone in LGBTQ+ history
President Joe Biden has signed legislation creating a national memorial to honor the 49 victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida—the deadliest attack on LGBTQ+ individuals in U.S. history. The memorial, supported by legislation passed by the House in May and the Senate in June, was established during a ceremony on June 25, attended by survivors and family members.
Reflecting on the 2016 tragedy, when a gunman attacked with an AR-15-style rifle and pistol, Biden said, “May no president ever have to sign another monument like this.” The Pulse nightclub, once a place of joy and inclusivity, became a scene of profound pain and loss. In addition to the 49 lives lost, 53 others were injured. Most victims were Latino, highlighting the intersection of cultural and LGBTQ+ communities in the tragedy.
This declaration enshrines a “monument to the loss” while also serving as a reminder of resilience and a commitment to preventing such acts in the future.
