Many locals react strongly to Orlando mass shooting.
By Kendrew Panyanouvong
After what officials are calling the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, a debate has risen across the nation and in Iowa City.
“It’s absolutely devastating,” said Jason Zeman, the owner of Iowa City’s GLBTQA-affiliated dance club, Studio 13. “It’s insane and sad for the gay community. I hope the tragedy will bring everyone together.”
Zeman said he thinks the fear of this kind of thing happening is always in the back of any bar owner’s mind, but possibly more worrisome for a gay bar owner.
“People are going to try to stop you from living your life and change your behavior, but you can’t do that,” he said. “You can’t let it control you.”
The Orlando shooting occurred early Sunday, leaving 50 dead and 53 injured. It has sparked national conversation revolving around on the long-going debate on gun control.
“There are far too many people of specific American communities being targeted and killed because of how easy it is to get a gun,” said Rebecca Truszkowski, a member of the Moms Demand Action, Iowa City chapter. “It’s not unreasonable for us to demand that lawmakers to do something.”
Moms Demand Action is a national organization created to seek action from state and federal lawmakers, companies, and educational institutions to institute common-sense gun reform.
Sen. Joe Bolkcom, D-Iowa City, said he’s concerned that people have grown numb to tragic events such as Sunday’s mass shooting.
“This horrifying act of hate is the latest call to action in the fight against gun violence,” he said. “It’s time for our elected officials to stop talking and act to protect us.”
Donna Red Wing, the executive director of One Iowa, said she thinks it is important to both change the perspective on the LGBTQ community as well as changes in gun laws.
One Iowa is the state’s leading lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender organization working for full equality for all LGBT individuals.
“Every person of the LGBTQ community is far more afraid today than they were yesterday,” Red Wing said. “We need to understand that the fight for equality for the LGBTQ community is far from over. We need to change hearts and minds, and we need to have sensible gun laws.”