The annual “Pridefest” in Des Moines took on new meaning after Sunday morning’s mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando.
Martha Miller-Johnson of Des Moines was part of the Pridefest scene Sunday afternoon just blocks from the state capitol. She was all too familiar with the site of the massacre in Florida.
“I used to live down there and I actually know where it is and it breaks my heart,” she said. “Breaks my heart, so this community needs all of our support today.”
She and her husband, David Johnson, were standing in the sunshine, along the Capital City Pridefest parade route, as the crowd cheered each passing entry.
“We’ve become so numb to these repeated tragedies and that’s unbelievable in itself,” Johnson said. “It’s sad and shocking.”
Matt Roberts of Des Moines learned about the shooting early Sunday morning.
“My best friend and then my mother called me, back to back (and said:) ‘Did you hear about it?'” he said.
Roberts used to visit Orlando regularly and he’s been to the Pulse nightclub where the mass shooting happened. Roberts said he’s been texting friends and checking Facebook for information.
“Who’s there, who’s not there that I know?” he said. “And then: who can I go help?”
Some people in the crowd, though, thought twice about venturing out to such a public event. Tanya Holmes of Des Moines said fear is a normal reaction to the news a gay nightclub had been targeted.
“Absolutely. When you hear something like that, it’s like people become homebodies for a while. I do.”
But Holmes said she came anyway, to support a friend. Kevin Brown worried about going to the parade because he and his partner brought their children.
“The more I thought about it, the more I thought: ‘You know, our community is so supportive and you can’t stop something like that from happening and you can’t run and hide,'” he said, “so we’re all here.”
Taylor Walker of Norwalk got up Sunday, checked Facebook and found out about the shootings in Orlando. A few hours later he was standing along the street in downtown Des Moines, carrying a large gay pride flag.
“Today you fly the flags and enjoy life for what it’s worth because you never know what’s going to happen,” Walker said. “…Love is the only thing that wins in this world. It’s not hate. And the more we show love, the less hate there’s going to be in this world.”
Some in the crowd held handwritten signs that read: Pray for Orlando. A brief vigil was held Sunday night on the statehouse steps.
The Iowa Democratic Party’s Stonewall Caucus issued a written statement Sunday, calling on Iowans to “stand as one” against the murders of innocent men and woman — adding that the country “must not allow terror to terrorize us.”
All but one member of Iowa’s congressional delegation responded to the violence in Orlando with comments on Twitter. Senator Joni Ernst called it a “senseless act of violence” and Senator Chuck Grassley called it “terrorism in America again.” Both Ernst and Grassley are Republicans.
Republican Congressman Steve King used the word “slaughter” to describe the shootings and King said the U.S. “must defeat the ideology” of ISIS. Republican Congressman David Young did not mention ISIS. Young called the mass shooting a “horrific act of hatred.” Republican Congressman Rod Blum said the attack was “senseless.”
All five urged their Twitter followers to pray for the victims. Read the statements below.
@ChuckGrassley tweeted: Terrorism in America again Our thought&prayers go out for families of innocent ppl killed and wounded in Orlando God bless all hurt. @ChuckGrassley tweeted
@SenJoniErnst tweeted: Our prayers are with the lives lost, those injured, and their loved ones in this senseless act of violence in Orlando
@SteveKingIA tweeted: Orlando shooter pledged allegiance 2 ISIS before he slaughtered dozens shouting “Allahu Akbar!” We must defeat the ideology & pray4our dead
@RepDavidYoung tweeted: My thoughts & prayers are full for the victims and families of this horrific act of hatred. May God grant them strength & peace. #Orlando
@RepRodBlum tweeted: Thoughts and prayers for all those affected by the senseless attack in Orlando.
IDP Stonewall Caucus Statement on the Pulse Nightclub Attack
DES MOINES-Iowa Democratic Party Stonewall Caucus Chair Devin Kelly released the following statement in reaction to the tragedy in Orlando:
“Early this morning, dozens of innocent men and women were murdered at an Orlando, Florida nightclub. While this attack happened at an LGBT+ nightclub, it was an attack on all of us. Whether you are gay or straight, identify as male or female, white or black, or old or young, this is a time to stand as one against such senseless violence, and stand as one we must. As we continue to gather facts and learn more information, let us all turn our attention to the victims and their loved ones. Let us keep the family and friends of those killed and injured in our thoughts and prayers. Let us praise the law enforcement officers and medical professionals who responded with such courage and compassion, Let us extend a hand to those who survived as they cope with the tragedy and trauma.
As PRIDE month continues across America, let us remember to take nothing for granted, celebrate the diversity and differences that make us whole as a country, and not allow terror to terrorize us.”