Fact Check: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis did not mention the LGBTQ+ identities of the victims during the ninth anniversary memorial of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando on June 12, 2023.

Fact Check: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Did Not Mention the LGBTQ+ Identities of the Victims During the Ninth Anniversary Memorial of the Pulse Nightclub Shooting

What We Know

On June 12, 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a statement commemorating the ninth anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting, which tragically claimed the lives of 49 individuals, primarily from the LGBTQ+ and Hispanic communities. However, reports indicate that DeSantis' statement notably omitted any mention of these identities, leading to significant backlash from various advocacy groups and community members (Orlando Weekly, Yahoo News, Sun Sentinel). This omission is particularly striking given that previous statements from DeSantis had included references to these communities, highlighting a shift in his approach to such commemorations (Orlando Sentinel).

Analysis

The absence of LGBTQ+ and Hispanic identities in DeSantis' statement has been interpreted as part of a broader trend in his administration's policies, which have included efforts to limit discussions around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in educational settings (Orlando Weekly). Critics argue that this reflects a deliberate strategy to erase the acknowledgment of marginalized communities from public discourse, aligning with similar actions taken during the Trump administration (Orlando Weekly).

Several sources corroborate the claim that DeSantis did not mention these identities. For instance, a report from The Hill explicitly states that his annual order honoring the victims did not reference LGBTQ or Hispanic individuals. This consistent reporting across multiple outlets lends credibility to the assertion that the omission was intentional rather than accidental.

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is generally high, as they include established news organizations and local outlets that have covered the Pulse shooting and its aftermath extensively. However, it is important to note that some sources may have inherent biases based on their editorial slants, particularly concerning political figures like DeSantis.

Conclusion

Based on the evidence presented, the claim that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis did not mention the LGBTQ+ identities of the victims during the ninth anniversary memorial of the Pulse nightclub shooting is True. The omission aligns with a pattern of behavior observed in his administration regarding the treatment of marginalized communities, particularly in the context of public remembrance and policy.

Sources

1. DeSantis erases 'LGBTQ and Hispanic communities' from Pulse remembrance ...
2. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis fails to mention LGBTQ+ ...
3. In Pulse remembrance, DeSantis leaves out LGBTQ and Hispanic ...
4. DeSantis deletes LGBTQ, Hispanics from Pulse order
5. 7 years after Pulse, Florida Republicans and LGBTQ+ community ...
6. Pulse massacre survivors are set to revisit the nightclub ...
7. Gov. DeSantis omits LGBTQ, Hispanic in Pulse tribute
8. Pulse Nightclub Shooting Remembered Amid Calls for Action