U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, had a heated exchange with a protestor Tuesday at a business near the Pulse nightclub shooting scene, which included the accusation that Rubio has “blood on your hands.”
David Moran of Orlando joined press at the event, which was supposed to be focused on how Rubio was trying to help businesses affected by slow traffic around the mass shooting scene.
Instead, about 30 protesters shouted so loudly outside that Rubio could hardly be heard at some points. The goal of the protest was to highlight Rubio’s lack of support for such things as gun control measures.
“I’m really angry at you,” Moran said. “I don’t feel you’re doing anything to support the LGBTQ people. I need to know what is your relationship is with the NRA. Why are you talking with transphobes and homophobes … all of you have blood on your hands,” Moran said.
Rubio responded, “I disagree with your assessment. … Homophobia means you’re scared of people, I’m not scared of people. Quite frankly I respect all people. We probably have a disagreement on the definition of marriage.”
Moran interrupted again, “Your policies kill people. You’re policies enable people to be murdered. You have to protect us. You’re not protecting us. We’re going to be gunned down.”
Rubio said he was not in Cleveland for the Republican National Convention because he was busy in Orlando. He has announced that he will appear by video at the event. Rubio said he is trying to help coordinate aid for Pulse shooting victims and their families from various federal agencies, including the FBI’s victim fund.
The exchange took place in a store, Foreign Accents Furniture and Decor, just blocks from the Pulse nightclub where 49 people were shot dead June 12.
Daniel Broyles, store owner, said he has declined to accept any help from the federal government because it has only been loans. The businesses along South Orange, the street where Pulse is located, were damaged in two ways: Several were actually closed for a week because a large area was restricted by police, and dozens were hit by slow traffic in the area because the major thoroughfare was closed.
Six businesses filled out applications for emergency short-term loans to help them get by. About a dozen temporary layoffs were reported on SBA loan applications.
