The Islamic Society of Central Jersey condemns the Orlando mass murders and calls for gun control.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK -- The Islamic Society of Central Jersey, one of the largest Muslim organizations in central New Jersey, has issued a statement condemning the "horrific attacks" in Orlando and is calling on Congress to adopt stricter gun control.
"The ISCJ strongly condemns this unjustified attack," the statement read. "This violence is totally unacceptable and against every value and tradition of all faiths. It is simply a tragic hate crime against humanity.
"Islam and all faiths support the sanctity of life and we are deeply saddened to issue yet another statement condemning senseless violence and lack of respect and dignity for life."
The statement went on to applaud and thank the law enforcement officials and first responders who "heroically aided the surviving victims."
Federal, state and local officials say 49 people, excluding the shooter, were killed and 53 injured in the attack at a gay nightclub in Orlando in the early morning hours of Sunday morning by a man identified by the FBI as Omar Mateen, 29, also of Florida.
Mateen legally purchased a .223 caliber AR-15 type of semiautomatic rifle and a 9 mm semiautomatic pistol during the attack, and used both in the attack, officials have said.
The Islamic Center's statement also comments on weapons and their use in the U.S.
"...sadly, this mass shooting highlights the issue of gun safety in our country and we implore our elected officials to take action to enact gun safety regulations as soon as possible. We pray we do not have to hear the news of another mass shooting. This is simply unacceptable."
The Islamic Society of Central New Jersey, which includes a mosque and a school, is located off Route 1 in the township.
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