One survivor of Orlando gay nightclub massacre has written
an emotional, open letter to the shooter.
On Monday, 21-year-old Alejandro
Francisco published an essay on XoJane, speaking directly to the gunman as
he describes everything that was taken from himself and his community, and the
one thing they will never lose – love.
"I go to Pulse nightclub in Orlando because I feel
comfortable there, and I can be myself. Several of my friends were there that
night, including my friend Stanley," Francisco writes. "I will never
see Stanley again. You took that away from me.
"Saturday night was Latin night, and it was a party
vibe because of the Puerto Rican Day Parade. It was a hot night, and the club
was filled with life and love and dancing and – until you arrived – pure
joy."
Francisco's letter continues, detailing when he and one of
his friends left early, just moments before the shooting occurred, and how
they stood across the street as gunshots rang out one after another.
As he recalls headlines describing the attack, including
"the worst terror attack since 9/11" and "the deadliest shooting
attack on U.S. soil" – Francisco names the 49 victims and gives
the shooting a new tagline.
"Let's call it what it was: the worst attack – on love – on U.S. soil," he adds.
"Let's call it what it was: the worst attack – on love – on U.S. soil," he adds.
Closing his letter with a shocking sentiment, Francisco
apologizes to the shooter for never having love in his life, crediting a lack
of affection as the reason he was capable of such a horrific crime.
"I am so sorry you must not have had [love] in your
life. Otherwise, I can't imagine you would have wanted so badly to end
mine," Francisco writes as he again names all the victims before adding
that although they did not survive, "Love did. Omar, we are stronger than
your hate. We always will be."
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