(Cleveland, OH, 6/13/16) – The Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Cleveland) joins Muslims across Ohio and nationwide in condemning the horrific mass shooting at an Orlando nightclub.

CAIR-Cleveland Executive Director Julia Shearson issued the following statement:

“Like all Americans, Ohio Muslims express their condemnation of this horrific act of violence. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with the families, friends and loved ones of the deceased and the injured.

“As a civil rights organization that works to end bigotry and hatred, CAIR-Cleveland stands in solidarity with the Florida LGBTQ community at this time of great sorrow for our entire country.

As Americans we must come together as a people and work to build a society based on peace, mutual respect and understanding among all people. There should be no place for hate in our country.

“No religious justification can ever be used to condone such a horrific act of targeted hate and wanton slaughter. Islam places a supreme value on life, and unjust killing of any life in Islam is considered forbidden in our faith. Like all Americans, we pray for the safety and security of our people and our country.”

CAIR is urging American Muslims across the country to donate blood in the name of the victims of this tragedy.

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CONTACT: CAIR-Cleveland Executive Director, Julia Shearson, 216.440.2247, jshearson@cair.com