Pulse Nightclub Massacre Eight Years Later: ‘We will never stop mourning’

Joél Junior Morales will never forget June 12, 2016.

He thinks about how one night filled with bloodshed and terror changed Orlando every day.

Morales was at home when a gunman unleashed terror and sprayed bullets inside the Pulse nightclub in the early hours that Sunday morning.

The massacre which killed 49 innocent victims who were just out enjoying a local gay bar where everyone felt welcome stunned the nation. The gunman was killed after a three-hour standoff with law enforcement.

“With every action I take and every word I speak, I strive to honor the memories of those we lost and support the healing journey of those who survived,” Morales told Newsweek on Wednesday’s eighth anniversary of the massacre.

Morales woke that Sunday morning to the horror of the deadly attack on his community and a place he knew. Morales would then immediately learn he had friends and acquaintances among those killed in what is now the second worst mass shooting in American history.

“Despite the passage of time, the wounds of the past still ache as though they were fresh for many of us,” Morales told Newsweek. “The pain, the loss, the trauma – these are not things that simply fade away with time. They linger, they shape us, and they remind us of our shared humanity.”

Back in 2016, Morales was working at The Center in Orlando which in the shooting’s aftermath became the frontline providing support and help to those affected by the tragedy.

The LGBT+ center was packed from morning to night with people seeking comfort or just trying to figure out how they could help. Morales stood as a leader for the LGBT+ community eight years ago as he stands as a leader now.

The now 41-year-old who is working with city officials on the Pulse Memorial planned to spend Wednesday taking part in “meaningful events to honor the victims and survivors of the Pulse nightclub shooting.”

“My day begins with attending a remembrance event organized by the City of Orlando, where we will join together to pay tribute to those whose lives were tragically taken and show solidarity with those who carry the emotional weight of that fateful night,” Morales said to Newsweek.

“I will also have the privilege of attending a dinner with families and survivors before the memorial ceremony. As a second responder and a proud Latinx queer individual, the memory of the 49 angels lost at Pulse remains a profound influence in my life.”

Throughout the city, there are permanent murals and smaller memorials honoring the Pulse victims.

Events are planned all throughout the city to mark the emotional eighth anniversary as Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered flags throughout the state be raised to half mass to honor the Pulse victims on Wednesday.

Thousands were expected to turn for the annual Pulse Remembrance Ceremony being held at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday night. It was preceded by the Ringing of the 49 Bells at First United Methodist Church Orlando.

“Now eight years since the Pulse tragedy, our community recognizes that each of the 49 victims were individuals, with their own lives and dreams,” Mayor Buddy Dyer posted on X. “Orlando will never forget them and will continue to make sure we respond to what happened on June 12, 2016, with love and kindness.”

Days after the shooting, thousands turned out for the Pulse Remembrance Ceremony on June 14, 2016 which has now turned into an annual event.

Just days ago, the city unveiled the Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee to spearhead the design of a larger memorial at the site of the Pulse nightclub along Orange Avenue.

Since purchasing the Pulse site in 2023, Dyer has been focused on creating a permanent memorial through a united, collaborative effort. He recently announced the launch of the Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee to help with completing the project.

This committee will include representatives from victims’ families, survivors, first responders, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and design and engineering experts. Applications are open until June 23 for anyone eager to join the committee.

‘The strength of the community shines through’

Morales talked about the many challenges Orlando has faced building intersectional social justice movements, from the Pulse shooting to recent crises like hurricanes, COVID-19, and anti-Trans attacks.

“Organizations are stretched thin by the depth of community needs, calling for additional resources in fundraising, finances, board development, healing justice, and conflict resolution to address these ongoing challenges,” Morales told Newsweek.

“Amidst these challenges, the strength of the community shines through, with more Queer, Trans, Latinx individuals in leadership positions than ever before. They are leading the way with the belief that ‘there is nothing for us unless it’s by us,’ driving progress and change from within.”

U.S. Rep Darren Soto posted a heartfelt message on Facebook commemorating the tragic shooting.

“Eight years ago today, our Orlando community was changed forever when Pulse nightclub became the target of a senseless act of violence. We will never stop mourning the 49 angels whose lives were taken,” Soto wrote. Today and every day, we honor the legacies they left behind. In the days and weeks following the tragedy, our community came together and showed the world that hate will never win. Pulse became a symbol of hope, love, and light.”

“Last Congress, we proudly passed a bill to make Pulse a National Memorial. Now, this serves as a testament of the strength of our #OrlandoStrong community,” the Democrat who represents the 9th District of Florida. As we continue working to combat discrimination and secure safety for all, our 49 angels and the 53 injured will always be at the forefront of our efforts. #ForThe49“

Miss Florida Juliette Ashley Valle also visited Orlando on Wednesday to pay tribute to the victims.

“Today marks the anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting, a tragic event that deeply impacted our community and the nation,” the beauty queen posted on Instagram. “Last year, I had the honor of visiting the Pulse Memorial as Miss Orlando, and it was an incredibly moving experience that I’ll never forget.

“As Miss Florida 2023, a diversity advocate, and a proud LGBTQIA+ ally, this day inspires me to continue representing all voices and adding more love, understanding, and unity to our world. We remember the lives lost and stand strong in our commitment to equality and acceptance for all.”