Secretary of State John Kerry
remembered the victims of a mass shooting in Orlando during the
“Pride at State” event in Washington on Tuesday.
Forty-nine people died and dozens were
injured when a lone gunman opened fire at a gay nightclub, the Pulse.
The massacre is the deadliest in American history.
“These victims of a hate crime
targeting an LGBT club had their futures stolen, their dreams stolen,
their future potential contributions stolen from us all in an
abhorrent act that is a scar on some of our nation's policies and
certainly on our hopes and dreams,” Kerry said.
“No words can lift or enable us to
get rid of this sense of tragedy. But I do think that our gathering
today can help everyone feel less alone. And I think it helps to
know that acts of terror and hate rarely achieve their purpose beyond
[the] immediate horror that they generate.”
“And whether those actions stem from
bigotry, insecurity, fear or weakness they are profoundly misguided,”
he said
Kerry added that Americans are united
by the idea that we are all created equal.
“That is the principle that defines
us and it is in the end what Pride means. To speak out for equality.
To show solidarity in the cause. And to stand up and to say loudly
and clearly no matter where you are, no matter who you love: We stand
with you,” Kerry said.