Update -- Orlando
The senseless tragedy in Orlando has cast a pall over our entire nation.
This deadly incident is the fourth major terrorist attack in a little over six months, and the worst terrorist-inspired killing spree in our history. The FBI apparently knew about the shooter, but failed to detect or prevent the attack -- which is personal for millions in the U.S. and abroad because it occurred in a city remembered for fun vacations.
And the target -- the innocent victims of this hate-filled crime -- was a community of LGBTQ people that has suffered discrimination for too long and is one of the two top targets (gays and Christians) that ISIS has identified for torture and murder.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families as they mourn, and grieve, and try to heal. And we are thankful to the local law enforcement personnel, and the first responders and health care personnel, who performed magnificently under extremely difficult circumstances. Their prompt and professional actions saved lives.
And yet, we are filled with both questions and anxiety. How did tragedy occur? Why was it not prevented?
News reports indicate the FBI knew about and questioned and investigated the shooter. Family and work associates issued alarms over his hostile statements and odd behaviors. Officials of Disney issued similar warnings, as did gun shop owners. The State Dept. is reported to have cut short an investigation into a mosque frequented by the shooter.
Given all of these warning signs, why was this terror attack not prevented? Are we winning this war against the ISIS terrorist organization? Is our strategy working? Do we need to make changes?
I am filled with sorrow and anger over the senseless loss of life – but there are also nagging questions about the effectiveness of our approach to national and personal security.
I plan to speak out on this tragedy and these important issues. I appeared on a Cable TV program last week, which will be repeated later this week, to discuss the Orlando tragedy, and I have an op/ed article awaiting publication.
I want to be respectful of the victims of this tragedy. But the victims cannot speak for themselves now. And we all deserve to know how this tragedy occurred, and if our representatives are pursuing the right course of action to prevent future incidents and ultimately win this war.
Clay Cope
Candidate for Congress
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