Florida lawmakers propose making Pulse nightclub a national memorial

Florida lawmakers have introduced federal legislation to designate the Pulse nightclub a national memorial, almost three years after dozens of people were killed in a mass shooting at the Orlando site.

Democratic Florida Reps. Darren Soto, Stephanie Murphy and Val Demings on Monday announced H.R. 3094 in front of a temporary memorial that honors the victims of what’s considered the deadliest act of violence against the LGBT community in U.S. history.

“Our efforts to designate #Pulse a National Memorial honors lives of 49 victims, survivors, and their loved ones,” Soto tweeted Monday. “It’ll serve as a reminder of us coming together to heal and overcome hate.”

Our efforts to designate #Pulse a National Memorial honors lives of 49 victims, survivors, and their loved ones. It’ll serve as a reminder of us coming together to heal and overcome hate. #PulseMemorial will be a symbol of hope, love, and light for our #OrlandoStrong community. pic.twitter.com/lnUrmOnKxG

— US Rep. Darren Soto (@RepDarrenSoto) June 10, 2019

{mosads}If the bill is passed, the memorial would become part of the National Park System, but the nonprofit OnePulse Foundation would keep control of its construction and maintenance, CNN reports.

Local officials, including Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón, praised the lawmakers’ proposal.

Rolón labeled the memorial an “important recognition,” while Mayor Buddy Dyer said he was “grateful” for lawmakers’ efforts to introduce the legislation.

Our community will never forget the 49 Pulse victims as well as the survivors. I am grateful for the efforts of @RepDarrenSoto, @RepStephMurphy and @RepValDemings to introduce federal legislation to make Pulse a national memorial site. pic.twitter.com/IzGKFQ1JFn

— Mayor Buddy Dyer (@orlandomayor) June 10, 2019

On June 12, 2016, 49 people died and more than 50 others were injured after Omar Mateen started shooting at the gay nightclub.

Mateen repeatedly told police he was a solider of ISIS, calling himself an “Islamic soldier.”