Funding for Victims

Attorney General Pam Bondi is thanking the U.S. Department of Justice for today awarding Florida more than $8 million to assist the victims of the attack at Pulse nightclub in Orlando last year.
“I am thrilled that my office will receive additional funding to help victims of the Orlando attack,” said Attorney General Bondi. “I want to thank the U.S. Department of Justice for awarding us the funds we requested so that we can continue to make payments and assist victims in any way possible.”
To date, the attack at Pulse nightclub is the deadliest mass shooting by a single individual, the most lethal incident of violence against the LGBTQ community in United States history and the largest terrorist attack in the country since 9/11. At the time of the shooting, more than 400 individuals occupied the nightclub. Of these victims, 49 people lost their lives, 53 suffered physical injuries and countless others were devastated by the attack.
Upon hearing of the tragedy, Attorney General Bondi immediately headed to Orlando with members of her victim advocate staff to assist the victims and their families with direct and indirect needs. The Attorney General’s victim advocates from across the state remained in Orlando for weeks after the attack, offering grief counseling to victims and families, assisting with medical bills and funeral expenses and forging collaborative relationships with other service providers to ensure the victims received all the help they needed.
The Florida Office of the Attorney General will administer the Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program funds awarded today. The funds will go to direct victim service costs for operation of the Family Assistance Center in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. The funds will also ensure that victims, witnesses and first responders continue to receive essential services, including mental health counselling.