Fact Check: Governor Ron DeSantis has previously acknowledged the Hispanic and queer identities of the Pulse victims.

Fact Check: "Governor Ron DeSantis has previously acknowledged the Hispanic and queer identities of the Pulse victims."

What We Know

On June 12, 2016, a mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, resulted in the deaths of 49 individuals, many of whom were part of the LGBTQ+ and Hispanic communities. In the years following the tragedy, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued statements commemorating the victims. However, his recent statements have sparked controversy due to the omission of specific references to these communities.

In 2019, during his first year as governor, DeSantis faced backlash for initially omitting references to the LGBTQ+ and Hispanic identities in his statement regarding the Pulse shooting anniversary. Following public outcry, he revised his statement to include these identities, acknowledging that the shooting "targeted the LGBTQ and Hispanic community" (Advocate, Orlando Weekly). Since then, he has generally used similar language in subsequent years.

However, in 2025, DeSantis issued a statement that notably excluded any mention of the LGBTQ+ and Hispanic communities, which led to criticism from various stakeholders, including Florida Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith, who highlighted the inconsistency in DeSantis' approach (Yahoo, Florida Phoenix). This omission aligns with DeSantis' broader political agenda, which has included efforts to limit discussions around diversity, equity, and inclusion in Florida's educational institutions (Orlando Weekly).

Analysis

The claim that Governor Ron DeSantis has previously acknowledged the Hispanic and queer identities of the Pulse victims is partially true. While it is accurate that he has made statements in the past that recognized these identities, his recent actions suggest a shift away from this acknowledgment. The 2025 statement, which failed to mention the affected communities, contrasts sharply with his previous years' statements, where he explicitly included them.

The reliability of sources reporting on this issue varies. Publications like Advocate and Florida Phoenix are known for their focus on LGBTQ+ issues and often provide critical perspectives on political figures, which can introduce bias. However, they also provide factual reporting based on official statements and public reactions. Meanwhile, mainstream outlets like Yahoo and Orlando Weekly offer broader coverage, which helps contextualize DeSantis' actions within his political agenda.

Critically, the omission of these identities in his latest statement appears to reflect a strategic choice aligned with his administration's ongoing initiatives against diversity and inclusion, which have been a focal point of his political platform (Orlando Weekly). This inconsistency raises questions about his commitment to honoring the diverse identities of the victims.

Conclusion

The verdict on the claim is Partially True. Governor Ron DeSantis has indeed acknowledged the Hispanic and queer identities of the Pulse victims in the past, particularly in the years immediately following the tragedy. However, his recent omission of these identities in official statements indicates a significant shift in his approach, suggesting a political strategy that may prioritize other agendas over a comprehensive acknowledgment of the communities affected by the tragedy.

Fact Check: Governor Ron DeSantis has previously acknowledged the Hispanic and queer identities of the Pulse victims.