A Decade of Remembrance
June 12, 2026, marks the 10th anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida. On this day in 2016, 49 people were killed and over 50 were injured in an attack that remains one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history. As communities across Florida gather to commemorate the lives lost, survivors are speaking out about the long-term reality of physical recovery, survivor’s guilt, and the ongoing work of advocacy.
The Weight of Recovery
For survivors like Keinon Carter, the aftermath has been a grueling, decade-long journey. Carter, who sustained severe injuries during the attack, has undergone approximately 60 surgeries. Despite the physical and mental toll, he emphasizes the importance of taking control of one’s own narrative. Similarly, Brandon Wolf, who lost his close friend Christopher “Drew” Leinonen that night, has channeled his grief into activism, working with organizations like Equality Florida and the Human Rights Campaign to build a world that honors the promises made to those who were lost.
Ongoing Vigilance
Commemorations are taking place throughout the state, including a significant gathering in St. Petersburg at the intersection of Central Avenue and 25th Street. Organizers, including St. Pete Pride and the Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida, highlighted that the event serves as a reminder to remain vigilant. As the number of mass shootings in the United States continues to climb—surpassing 4,000 since 2016—survivors stress that while healing is not linear, community support remains a vital component of the recovery process.