REMEMBERING PULSE
Laly Santiago-Leon takes a moment to remember her cousin, Luis Wilson-Leon, on Friday at the Pulse Interim Memorial on the fourth anniversary of the Pulse nightclub massacre on South Orange Avenue in Orlando. Wilson-Leon was one of 49 people killed June 12, 2016, in a mass shooting at the nightclub. A bill would make the site a national memorial.
On the fourth anniversary of the Pulse shooting that killed 49 people and wounded over 50 people, U.S. Rep. Darren Soto announced legislation, along with Rep. Stephanie Murphy and Rep. Val Demings, that would establish the nightclub as a national memorial site.
“I am pleased to announce that Majority Leader Steny Hoyer has committed to bringing our bill to the House floor for a vote before the end of June,” Soto said in a statement.
The proposed legislation, H.R. 3094, would grant a federal designation to honor the lives taken in the shooting as well as the survivors, first responders and the entire Central Florida community.
On March 11, the bill unanimously passed in the House Committee on Natural Resources.
In addition to the legislation, the onePULSE foundation is building the National Pulse Memorial and Museum, which is planned to open in 2022. It will include the Orlando Health Survivors Walkway and will be on the site of the Pulse nightclub and nearby properties.
“Given the Pulse Remembrance Ceremony today, supporters may take some solace in this latest development during this time of mourning, reflection and unity,” Soto said.