The Pulse Nightclub in Orlando began its demolition process on Wednesday, clearing the way for a $12 million permanent memorial dedicated to the 49 people killed and 53 wounded during the mass shooting nearly a decade ago. Construction workers started tearing down walls that still bore scars from bullet holes left by the June 12, 2016 attack.
Key Takeaways
Demolition began at the Pulse Nightclub site to make way for a memorial honoring the 49 victims of the deadly mass shooting in Orlando nearly a decade ago.
- Construction crews started tearing down walls scarred by bullet holes from the June 12, 2016 attack
- The city plans to build a $12 million permanent memorial scheduled to open in 2027
- The demolition comes amid tensions over LGBTQ+ monuments during President Trump's second term
The city of Orlando purchased the Pulse property in 2023 for $2 million and plans to build a permanent memorial that will open in 2027. This effort follows a botched multiyear attempt by a foundation run by the club's former owner to buy the property, as reported by CBS News, HuffPost, and Los Angeles Times. The demolition comes at a fraught time for LGBTQ+ monuments since President Donald Trump's second term began.
The federal government removed a pride flag outside of Stonewall National Monument last year, following a National Park Service memo that prohibits the agency from flying any flags besides the U.S. flag and the flag of the Department of Interior. According to HuffPost, The plan for the memorial comes at a fraught time for monuments to LGBTQ+ history since President Donald Trump's second term began.
A similar battle played out in Orlando last year, when local officials clashed with Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis because workers painted over a rainbow mural on the crosswalk in front of Pulse. The move came after the Florida Department of Transportation issued a memo that prohibited 'surface art' associated with 'social, political or ideological messages or images and does not serve the purpose of traffic control.' According to UPI, It has been nearly a decade since the shooting at the popular LGBTQ club. About 300 people were in attendance as the club celebrated Latin Night on June 12, 2016.
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