An Open Letter To Omar Mateen
Start writing a post
Politics

An Open Letter To Omar Mateen

The things that I wish that I could say and ask the Orlando terrorist.

7
An Open Letter To Omar Mateen
Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Dear Omar,

Just to let you know, I refrained from posting anything emotional on social media because I knew that I would eventually stir up the strength to write this. I have seen more than 300 posts, watched countless news outlets, interviews and read several stories about this and I can honestly say I am still in shock about what you did. While I understand that are not here, if I could ask you anything it would be this. When you drove two hours and went into Pulse Night Club in Orlando,FL and opened fire shooting over 100 people, and taking the lives of 49 innocent people one of which was only 18 years old, a baby, did you understand that you hurt more than just those people?

It has been said that you did what you did because of your allegiance to ISIS or because you were a closet homosexual. I don't know the reason and I truthfully wish you were still here so you could answer the question why? Were they everything you couldn't be? Why? Because of you there has been a lot of talk about homosexuality and the LGBT community, but you didn't just kill homosexuals, you killed people with families, friends, loved ones, moms, dads, and children. Did you understand that?

You didn't just hurt the LGBT community, you hurt the American community. In some interviews it was said that you wouldn't kill African Americans because they had it hard enough but you didn't know that one of your victims survived cancer twice and died protecting her son from your foolish hand. Is that not a hard enough life for you Omar? You determined those people's fates and how could you ever think so highly of yourself that you could try to play God? Is that the legacy you wanted to leave your 3-year-old son?

And as much as I want to hate you or be angry for what you did to those people, my people, my religion and my faith won't let me. The God that I serve commands that we must love our brothers and sisters no matter the size of their mistakes, and to call what you did a mistake is an understatement. When I pray at night for the beautiful souls that you took away, I pray for your soul as well because only a lost and hurt soul could ever do what you did. God taught me that for He so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son so that we all could have everlasting life so if He can forgive you, to truly believe in His word, means that we must forgive as well.

Please don't be mistaken Omar, I didn't write this to be a hate letter or bash you.

But because of you, my country, the place that I call home is hurt: religion, sexuality, politics, gun control and terrorism are in our mouths now more than ever. You didn't divide us, you unified us! I'm sure the reason you called law enforcement so many times was so that you could get recognition for what you did but after today, I vow that I will never speak your name again. I will only remind people of the innocent lives that you took because it's not about me. This letter may be addressed to you but it's not about you or even how bad the world is mourning. It's about the 49 lives that will never hug their families or say I love you, dance or smile again. Those people are the story. They are the reason why each and every person, country, city, and state is Orlando strong. Those families may have lost the people that they loved the most but they have gained a family. They gained more love than you could ever try to defeat with gunfire.

May God truly have mercy on your soul,

Lanecha T.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

42616
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

26752
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

951825
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

139817
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments