Michael Sam issues touching statement to LGBTQ community after Orlando shooting

Early Sunday morning, an unspeakable tragedy took place at a gay nightclub in Orlando which left 50 people dead and another 53 injured. Since the news surfaced, the country has been mourning the horrific incident and coming together to share its deepest condolences to the LGBTQ community.

The latest person to speak out is former Missouri Tigers star Michael Sam, who is a prominent member of the community.

Sam issued a heartfelt statement on social media, hoping this would be a “wake up call” for America.

“To my brothers and sisters of the LGBTQ community please take the time to read this. If you have not already heard there was a terrible shooting at a gay night club in Orlando. It is not only a sad day for the LGBTQ community, but for the American people. 50 people lost their lives because of a hateful coward with a gun,” Same wrote.

“Let this hateful act of terror of the LGBTQ community be a wake up call for America. Men and women of all races, ages, and sexual orientation are being slaughtered because of hate crimes. How many more must die from a hate crime? We need to create awareness for ALL to show that hate is not the foundation of our nation. Friends DO NOT let this coward put fear into your hearts!!! Let us all come together stronger than ever and let the world know that we will not be terrorized or bullied by the actions of hateful bigots. We are here to stay and fight not only for equality, but for our very existence. To the victims love ones of this terrible crime I and the entire LGBTQ community in the world stands with you and mourns with you.”

A photo posted by Michael Sam (@mikeysam52) on Jun 12, 2016 at 10:58am PDT

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Let’s hope that some sort of change does come about so we can be proud of the country we live in.

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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports

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