The Muslim Community of the Quad Cities and Islamic Center of the Quad Cities have released a statement saying they are "deeply horrified and saddened" by the mass shooting that killed 50 people at an Orlando nightclub early Sunday morning.
FBI officials say the shooter called 911 near the time of the attack and pledged his allegiance to the Islamic State.
The statement from local Muslim communities:
"Hate can only breed more hate. We must stand arm and arm, as members of one human family, and practice our shared values of peace-making, tolerance and mutual respect, especially in times of such great sorrow."
"The Muslim Community of the Quad Cities (MCQC) and Islamic Center of the Quad Cities (ICQC) are deeply horrified and saddened by the mass shooting that took place at an Orlando nightclub this morning.
Our thoughts, condolences and prayers are with the family and friends of the victims of this despicable act of violence. It is tragic to hear anytime life is taken in such a senseless act of brutality; an act that has no place in Islam, nor in any civilized society. We mourn the loss of our brothers and sisters in humanity and pray for a speedy recovery of the injured.
We also repudiate any person or any group that tries to justify such an appalling act of violence. Our local Muslim Communities stand together with our fellow Americans against hatred, violence, and demonization of entire communities. Hate can only breed more hate. We must stand arm and arm, as members of one human family, and practice our shared values of peace-making, tolerance and mutual respect, especially in times of such great sorrow."
And the Metropolitan Community Church of the Quad Cities invites people to attend a candlelight vigil at the Davenport church Wednesday evening at 7:30 in solidarity with the victims of the mass shooting.
"Our intent is to honor the victims of the Orlando shootings, their families and loved ones and to send a message that we are one human family...there is no 'other.' We should love God while loving one another as everything else is just window dressing. The only thing stronger than hate is the power of love," says Reverend Rich Hendricks in a statement.
