Clockwise from top left: Orlando shooting victims Edward Sotomayor, Stanley Almodovar, Luis Omar Ocasio-Ocampo, Juan Ramon Guerrero, Luis Vielma and Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera
MAYOR of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock, has opened a Book of Condolence in memory of the victims of the latest terror attack to rock America.
Speaking this morning following confirmation of the deaths of 50 people at a gay night club in the American city of Orlando, Alderman McClintock said she was deeply shocked and saddened by the events.
“I was horrified to hear the news as it broke this morning that over 50 people have been tragically killed in this atrocity in Orlando,” she said.
“It’s simply unimaginable that people out to enjoy a night out could be targeted in this way, and I want to express my sadness and sympathy for the many families affected.
“It goes without saying that I condemn this outrageous attack, which is not only an attack on the victims, but also on western society as a whole.
“The fact that the majority of those targeted were members of the LGBT community has also sent shockwaves through this community across the world, and I want to offer my sympathy and support to local people affected.
“I will be meeting with members of the local LGBT support group the Rainbow Project this afternoon and I will convey to them personally my concern that the LGBT community has been so callously targeted in this way.
“I know that many people across the district will want to show their solidarity and sympathy with the victims, so I will be opening an official Book of Condolence today at the Guildhall.
“I would encourage local people to come along and record their thoughts and condolences for all those who have lost their lives in this latest shocking attack on our society.”
The Book of Condolence opened to the public from 12 noon and will remain open during regular Guildhall opening hours over the coming weeks.
