Islamic Association condemns Orlando shootings
Lois Wilson
lwilson@stargazette.com
The Islamic Association of the Finger Lakes, which has its headquarters in Big Flats, offered a statement Monday following the shootings in Orlando:
"We condemn the attack on the Orlando club in the strongest turns. This was a horrific shooting of 49 individuals and injuring more than 50 from the community. We pray for the victims and the families affected.
"Islam does not teach to kill innocent human beings. And people like Omar Mateen are ruining the good name of millions of peace-loving Muslims living in the USA and the rest of the world."
Mateen, 29, an American-born Muslim, carried out the attack.
Five of the wounded were reported in grave condition, meaning the death toll could rise.
In Orlando, mourners piled bouquets around a makeshift memorial, and people broke down in tears and held their hands to their faces while passing through the growing collection of flowers, candles and signs about a mile from the site of the massacre.
Around the Southern Tier, vigils are being planned to remember the victims who died and were injured in the shooting at the gay nightclub in Orlando early Sunday morning.
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A candlelight vigil will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. Tuesday on Bank Alley in the Ithaca Commons. The Binghamton Pride Coalition will gather at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Peacemaker's Stage on Court Street in Binghamton. A program is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.
A rainbow flag was flown at Binghamton City Hall on Monday, lowered to half-staff, in what city Mayor Richard David called "a symbol of solidarity," in a news release.