The largest mass shooting perpetrated by a single gunman in U.S. history took place early Sunday in Orlando’s Pulse gay club. As the terrible news circulated, Republican members of Congress responded with lots of “thoughts and prayers” and no discussion of the role easy access to an AR-15 might’ve had in the massacre. Instead, they latched on to Omar Mateen’s professed allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS).
Given the precedent, that’s not surprising. But there’s another topic Republicans avoided. While suspected shooter Omar Mateen’s motives remain unclear, his father told NBC News Mateen became angry when he witnessed two men kissing in Miami recently. That homophobia prompted many Democratic members of Congress to pledge solidarity with the LGBT community.
My deepest sympathies are w/ the victims of the #Orlando shooting. I stand in solidarity w/ the #LGBTQ community. We must act on gun safety.
— Jan Schakowsky (@janschakowsky) June 12, 2016
My deepest sympathies are w/ the victims of the #Orlando shooting. I stand in solidarity w/ the #LGBTQ community. We must act on gun safety.
— Jan Schakowsky (@janschakowsky) June 12, 2016
This was an attack on America, on the LGBT community, and on all of us who seek safety and peace–here at home and around the world.
— Rep. John Yarmuth (@RepJohnYarmuth) June 12, 2016
LGBT Americans are still targets. Last week, politicians in Washington mocked transgender individuals at a "faith and freedom" conference.
— David Cicilline (@RepCicilline) June 12, 2016
We stand in solidarity w/ the #LGBT community & against hate. Acts of violence happen too often in this country & beyond words, we must act
— Steve Israel (@RepSteveIsrael) June 12, 2016
I am horrified by the #PulseShooting. My thoughts are w the victims, their families & Orlando #LGBT community. https://t.co/sVoxyOXKrN
— Steny Hoyer (@WhipHoyer) June 12, 2016
All Americans are horrified, disgusted and saddened by the horrific atrocity in Orlando. Full statement: pic.twitter.com/ci5kxXKSyZ
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) June 12, 2016
I am grieving with the LGBT community. My full statement here: https://t.co/esxme7ImZW pic.twitter.com/ZZk9YSnJx8
— Rep. Keith Ellison (@keithellison) June 12, 2016
Republicans, meanwhile, avoided mentioning LGBT people altogether.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families following this morning's horrific shooting in Orlando.
— Martha McSally (@RepMcSally) June 12, 2016
Prayers for #Orlando victims and families as well as first responders and medical staff.
— Keith Rothfus (@KeithRothfus) June 12, 2016
We pray for those brutally attacked in Orlando. While we must learn more about the attacker, the victims & families will not be forgotten.
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) June 12, 2016
My heart goes out to the victims of this horrific attack and their families, those who were injured… (1/2)
— Kelly Ayotte (@KellyAyotte) June 12, 2016
(2/2) & the brave first responders who saved lives. My thoughts & prayers are w/ the Orlando community in the wake of this terrible tragedy
— Kelly Ayotte (@KellyAyotte) June 12, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families and the brave men and women who risked their lives to save others -rj
— Senator Ron Johnson (@SenRonJohnson) June 12, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families involved in the tragic #Orlando shooting. #PrayForOrlando
— Mark Meadows (@RepMarkMeadows) June 12, 2016
Jaime & I are mourning the lives lost in Orlando & are praying for the wounded. Our hearts ache for the families of the victims. -CG
— Cory Gardner (@SenCoryGardner) June 12, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this morning's horrific attack in Orlando and their loved ones.
— Richard Burr (@SenatorBurr) June 12, 2016
Heartbreaking news out of Orlando. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, families, & first responders. #PrayForOrlando
— Rep. Andy Harris, MD (@RepAndyHarrisMD) June 12, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Orlando and everyone who was impacted by last night's senseless attack.
— Pete Sessions (@PeteSessions) June 12, 2016
Following last night's tragic shooting, my prayers are with the victims, their families, and the people of Orlando.
— Rep. Todd Rokita (@ToddRokita) June 12, 2016
Franki and I send our thoughts & prayers to the victims of today's horrific violence and their loved ones.
— Pat Roberts (@SenPatRoberts) June 12, 2016
Heartbreaking news out of Orlando. We are praying for the first responders, for families who have lost loved ones, and for the many victims.
— Diane Black (@RepDianeBlack) June 12, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of the terrible attack in Orlando. Thankful for law enforcement who saved more than 30 lives.
— Rep. Kevin Yoder (@RepKevinYoder) June 12, 2016
This appears to be the worst terrorist attack on American soil since 9/11.
— Michael McCaul (@RepMcCaul) June 12, 2016
It is a sobering reminder that radical Islamists are targeting our country and our way of life.
— Michael McCaul (@RepMcCaul) June 12, 2016
Saddened by the tragedy that occurred overnight in Orlando. Praying for the victims, their families, and our dedicated first responders.
— Senator Bob Corker (@SenBobCorker) June 12, 2016
Robba & I join Kansans & the nation in grieving for the victims of the unthinkable violence in Orlando last night. Pray for the families.
— Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) June 12, 2016
My statement on the #Orlando shooting: "The nation's prayers are with the victims and their families…” pic.twitter.com/RrvnUScq43
— Leader McConnell (@SenateMajLdr) June 12, 2016
My prayers, and the prayers of all Arkansans, are with the victims of last night's attack in Orlando and their families.
— Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) June 12, 2016
Many more Republican responses with that omission could be cited.
While the difference between the how the two parties framed their responses was stark, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) provided an exception to the rule. “We stand for and with all Americans, irrespective of their sexual orientation, irrespective of their party ideology, irrespective of where they live. We are all Americans,” Rubio said during a press briefing.
There’s a reason most Republicans are hesitant to acknowledge LGBT people — they continue to push measures that discriminate against them.