FROM THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE:

On June 12, 2016 at approximately 2 a.m., a lone gunman opened fire on an Orlando nightclub with an assault rifle, killing 50 people and wounding another 53. This was the largest attack of its type to take place in our country.

Omar Mir Seddique Mateen has been identified as the attacker, and has confirmed to have been motivated by the fascist ideas of Daesh, particularly heterosexism, patriarchy, misogyny, transphobia, homophobia and a religious bigotry that sees “the Christian West” as the antithesis of his views.

Already, these murders have been exploited by cynical politicians who seek to advance their imperialist agendas against “the threat of ISIS” and “Islamic terrorism” and this must be countered by the unconditional solidarity between Muslims, queer people and all progressive forces.

We must oppose with all our strength the divide-and-rule tactics of the U.S. imperialists, who will seek to pit oppressed groups against one another.

We must continue to build our people’s movements against war, racism, national oppression and fascism, for the building of a new socialist world.

While these cowards – politicians and murderers – strike out at the most vulnerable, our people display an unmatched heroism confronting the monstrous U.S. imperialism which bears the greatest share of responsibility for the perpetuation of violence and war in our world.

On the courage to fight back, the Party recalls the words of Black Panther Leader Huey Newton:

“… WE WILL NOT BE COWED, WE WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED.”

Categories: Statements