Major Islamic group condemns Orlando attack

June 13, 2016

The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organisation, condemned the shooting at a nightclub in Orlando, which had left at least 50 people dead.

“We are sickened and heartbroken by this appalling attack. Our hearts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims. There can never be any justification for such cowardly and criminal acts, period.” CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said in a statement on Sunday.

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http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2016/06/12/orlando-nightclub-muslim-reaction/85790320/

After Orlando shooting, Muslim Americans show support for victims

Jessica Durando, USA TODAY 10:32 p.m. EDT June 12, 2016

Muslims across America showed an outpouring of support for victims after the deadliest shooting spree in U.S. history left at least 50 people dead in an Orlando, Fla., nightclub.

The lone shooter, killed by police, has been identified as a Muslim.

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The suspect's father, Mir Seddique, told NBC News on Sunday that his son had recently expressed anti-gay sentiments. He said the attack "had nothing to do with religion."

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The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations issued a statement that said, "We condemn this monstrous attack and offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those killed or injured. The Muslim community joins our fellow Americans in repudiating anyone or any group that would claim to justify or excuse such an appalling act of violence."

The Muslim civil liberties organization is asking for blood donations to help those injured in the attack.

The American Muslim Community Centers, a mosque in Longwood, Fla., said the mosque stands with Americans and "senseless violence has no place in our religion or in our society."

''The American Muslim Community Centers is saddened and shocked by the senseless killings in downtown Orlando, and we pray for the victims and their family members," said Chairman Atif Fareed.

People were quick to turn to Twitter to express disapproval of the attack and explain that it does not reflect the values of the U.S. Muslim community:

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