In the early hours of Sunday, 50 people (including the shooter) were killed after Omar Mateen opened fire at Orlando's Pulse nightclub, a gay bar. It was the deadliest shooting in U.S. history. By afternoon, the city of Orlando began listing victims' names:
During this difficult time, we offer heartfelt condolences to the families of the 49 victims who lost their lives during the Pulse tragedy. To the families and friends of the victims, your city is with you and will continue to be with you as you deal with this unimaginable tragedy.
In the conversations surrounding the shooting, it's easy to get lost in debates about gun control, Islamophobia, homophobia, and politics; but it's important to take time and remember the people whose lives were unfairly taken. Every victim had family, friends, and loved ones affected by this loss.
Read their names.
Look at their faces.
Note that they each contained multitudes and entire universes.