The Orlando Shooting is an example of a hate crime trying to gain legitimacy through the channels of terrorism. The shooter Omar Mateen, according to the investigations conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation is not a member of the LGBT community. Despite several testimonies by witnesses who were in the club at the time of the shooting and allegations by Mateen’s first (ex) wife, there is no indication that Mateen was gay (The Guardian, “Orlando shooting – as it happened”). The motive for the shooting is speculative. ISIS or ISIL followed a specific pattern before influencing a common citizen to indulge in violent acts. The incident in Australia is a testament to that pattern. It is highly uncertain that the infamous terrorist organization was involved in this attack; directly or indirectly.
The only concept which makes any sense is that Omar Mateen was a traditional Pashtun Muslim who could not digest the idea that two men could indulge in a sexual encounter. He was by all accounts angry because being gay was legal in Florida. He stalked the nightclub for months at a time planning his attack on them. He did follow some pattern while trying to blend in with the crowd. His motivation to visit the place regularly was to become familiar with the surroundings and the patrons. His religious beliefs denounced the LGBT community (same as mainline Christianity or Roman Catholicism). He was a natural born American citizen raised as a conservative and domineering male within his community (Cable News Network, “Orlando shooting: What motivated a killer?”).
Omar Mateen never was the recipient of any healthcare throughout his lifetime. He probably suffered from depression without any medical assistance. In a traditional Muslim family, it is a shame to treat a male member for depression or any other form of mental disorder. Mateen had anger management problems and was violent in known surroundings. His beating up of his ex-wife is relevant. The problem is a deep-rooted mental health issue which triggered hate on account of seeing a gay couple kissing each other.
The HPAC (Holy Pentecostal Assemblies Church) holds a similar position to Omar Mateen when it comes to the LGBT community. The concept of gay sex being sin and that all LGBT people will go to hell is a common belief. However, apart from the belief system, the HPAC took efforts to reach out to the LGBT community and share the message of the Gospel of Christ with them. This is why the Pentecostal churches exist. They respond to the call of extreme versions of sin and hatred. The HPAC does not hate the LGBT community. On the contrary, they love the LGBT community and will do their best to help this community find God in His unaltered depiction by certain churches today. If HPAC was out in force instead of Omar Mateen, trouble and 911 calls from the nightclub will be of a different kind; definitely without bullets or casualties (The Daily Observer, “Pentecostal Church takes a stand against gay marriage”).
Works Cited
“Orlando shooting – as it happened”. The Guardian. 13 June 2016. Web. 05 July 2016.
“Pentecostal Church takes a stand against gay marriage”. The Daily Observer. 20 July 2016. Web. 05 July 2016.
“Orlando shooting: What motivated a killer?” Cable News Network. 14 June 2016. Web. 05 July 2016.
