Today, NDP Leader Trent Wotherspoon made the following statement:
“As details continue to come in about the horrifying and almost unimaginable attack last night in Orlando, Florida, on behalf of Saskatchewan New Democrats, I extend my thoughts, prayers, and sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims and all affected.
“While we do not yet know exactly what motivated this shooting, we do know that this act of extreme hate is rejected by all religions. We also know that it took the lives of 50 people and injured 53 more who were guilty of nothing but being true to who they are, gathering together in solidarity, and enjoying the company of their friends and community.
“Two weeks ago, I was honoured to take part in kicking off Pride month here in Saskatchewan and in raising the Pride flag in front of our legislature. This year, for the first time, a Pride parade was also officially held in Moose Jaw. Among the large and supportive crowd there was a group of young students who, though they have loving support networks that they rely on every day, took this unique opportunity to walk through their city, down the main street, with their heads held high, true to who they are. They felt safe and were comforted by the support of their community and allies. That sense of security is one that many of us take for granted but was threatened, particularly within the LGBTQ2 community, by the senseless attack last night.
“Today, I’m hugging my family a little tighter and tonight, I will stand together with LGBTQ2 members of our community at a vigil.
"In the face of this devastating attack, let's stand together and express care and love for one another."