Published
Tue, Dec 6, 2016, 01:30
- Barbara Poma plans to make the site of June's mass shooting a "sanctuary of hope."
Pulse Nightclub will not be sold to the city of Orlando after all, says its owner.
The statement from Pulse owner Barbara Poma contradicts earlier plans to sell the gay club, which was the site of the worst mass shooting in modern American history, to the city of Orlando in order to make it a memorial. Now, as CNN reports, she's changed her mind, choosing instead to keep the venue and consult with the community on exactly what form it should take.
"The struggle was with letting it go," she said, "and it's something I couldn't come to grips with. You couldn't put a price on it for me. I intend to create a space for everyone, a sanctuary of hope, and a welcoming area to remember all those affected by the tragedy."
In another statement, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said that he respected Poma's choice and that the city would "continue to research and understand how other communities have approached the memorial process."