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49 QUESTIONS

Posed to the City of Orlando. Asked by survivors and the family and friends of victims of the mass shooting at the Pulse Nightclub. Based on the facts that are documented in public records. 

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The goal of the 49 Questions Campaign is to start a public conversation about the public records released by the City of Orlando that pertain to Pulse's unpermitted renovation and code violations—none of which have been reported on (the only exception being Pulse's unpermitted fence).

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Public records show that these illegal modifications affected the escape and rescue of shooting victims. They also show that Pulse was not approved to operate as a nightclub, but only as a martini bar and restaurant. No dance floor was allowed, where at least 20 people were fatally wounded.

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We want to get to the bottom of this. We want to know why there wasn't a criminal investigation into these violations?

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Look at what happened after the Station Nightclub fire. Even though the owners of the Station Nightclub did not start the fire that killed 100 people and injured 230 in 2003, its owners were charged with involuntary manslaughter due to building/fire code violations made before the fire broke out. These violations were discovered after the fire and after an investigation was done.

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However, there was no investigation into building code violations and unpermitted renovations after the Pulse shooting. Instead, owner Barbara Poma started a non-profit after the shooting called the OnePULSE Foundation, has been paid a $150k annual salary, and has been given millions of dollars of public funds for the building of a private memorial-museum complex.

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We think this is an injustice.

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Ultimately, we ask for:

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  1. an official criminal investigation into Pulse's unpermitted renovations, code violations, and how they hindered the escape and rescue of shooting victims;

  2. all money raised in the name of the Pulse shooting to be reinvested in the continued care of shooting victims instead of a tourist attraction;

  3. an end to the privatization, monetization, and merchandising of our public tragedy by the OnePULSE Foundation;

  4. a completely publicly owned memorial park instead of the proposed memorial-museum complex that will be privately owned and operated by the OnePULSE Foundation. 

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One question was released each day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and on this site between Pride Weekend and mid-August 2020. 

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WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

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Help us demand an investigation into the unpermitted renovations and code violations at Pulse nightclub that obstructed the escape and rescue of shooting victims by contacting the State Attorney Monique Worrell at mhworrell@sao9.org or the Chief of the Orlando Police Department Orlando Rolón at orlando.rolon@orlando.gov. Let them know that you've read the public records and you too want answers through a formal criminal investigation.

Question 49: “Will anyone speak out? Will anyone do the right thing and tell the truth?”
01:45

Question 49: “Will anyone speak out? Will anyone do the right thing and tell the truth?”

Pulse survivor Tiara Parker talks about the unpermitted renovations and code violations at Pulse and asks for #Justice4Pulse and #Justice4Orlando. Will anyone come forth to stand up and say, “I know what happened here and I can’t be silent any longer?” The public and the victims have a right to know the truth. Who among you in Florida or in the City of Orlando has enough integrity to do the right thing – to make inquiries about all these unpermitted violations? To publicly tell the truth? In loving memory of Jonathan A. Camuy Vega. ***The 49 Questions Campaign amplifies the voices of Pulse survivors, family and friends of Pulse victims, and community members who were affected by the mass shooting and who want answers from the City of Orlando. A question will be asked to the City of Orlando each day, beginning Friday, June 26, 2020—the same week as the Stonewall Uprising in 1969 and the arson attack at the Upstairs Lounge in 1973, signifying our community's painful losses and our enduring courage as we continue to demand transparency, accountability, and justice. Each of the 49 questions is asked in memory of a loved one who was murdered at Pulse on June 12, 2016 and is based on a thorough analysis of available public records. We demand that the City of Orlando provides us with answers. The public records can be found at: https://www.nopulsemuseum.info/expose https://www.orlando.gov/Our-Government/Departments-Offices/Executive-Offices/City-Clerk/Pulse-Tragedy-Public-Records #HonorThemWithAction #Justice4Pulse #Pulse #Orlando #4The49 #ForThe49 #LGBTQ #49Questions #unpermittedrenovations #codeviolations #involuntarymanslaughter #investigateNOW #shutdownOnePULSE #HoldPomasAccountable #transparency #publicrecords #OnePULSE #inspection #OrlandoFireDepartment #investigation #PulseOrlando #Orlando #Pulse #LGBTQ #gaybar #nightclub
Question 48: “Why is the burden of public oversight being placed on mass shooting victims?"
00:30

Question 48: “Why is the burden of public oversight being placed on mass shooting victims?"

The question posed here is, “Why haven’t all records been released [to the public]?” It’s been over four years since the shooting and still the City of Orlando has not released SWAT Communications, OPD communications (including audio-only files of police communication channels), evidence documented by photograph, emails pertaining to Pulse’s unpermitted renovations and code violations, and all communications between city officials that discuss these issues and that were exchanged after the shooting. Also asked is, “Why are victims having to go through the records?” We know, this is because there has never been an investigation into Pulse’s unpermitted renovations and code violations and their effect on the escape and rescue of shooting victims. Why is the burden of public oversight being placed on mass shooting victims? In loving memory of Stanley Almodovar III. ***The 49 Questions Campaign amplifies the voices of Pulse survivors, family and friends of Pulse victims, and community members who were affected by the mass shooting and who want answers from the City of Orlando. A question will be asked to the City of Orlando each day, beginning Friday, June 26, 2020—the same week as the Stonewall Uprising in 1969 and the arson attack at the Upstairs Lounge in 1973, signifying our community's painful losses and our enduring courage as we continue to demand transparency, accountability, and justice. Each of the 49 questions is asked in memory of a loved one who was murdered at Pulse on June 12, 2016 and is based on a thorough analysis of available public records. We demand that the City of Orlando provides us with answers. #HonorThemWithAction #Justice4Pulse #Pulse #Pride2020 #Pride #Orlando #4The49 #ForThe49 #LGBTQ #49Questions
Question 47: "How can the City of Orlando stand behind Pulse owners, who violated building codes?"
00:38

Question 47: "How can the City of Orlando stand behind Pulse owners, who violated building codes?"

A friend asks, “How, in good conscience, can the City of Orlando allow people who failed to adhere to the City’s own building codes -- which were designed to keep patrons safe – and stand behind them in a new multi-million venture? One that pays Pulse’s Barbara Poma a six-figure salary?” Tax records show that Barbara Poma earns $150,000 annually for running the non-profit that she started after the shooting at Pulse. With records indicating the nightclub could not afford life safety features required to keep patrons safe, we want to know how much more she is earning running the non-profit than she did running the nightclub? How else has she benefitted from the shooting? In loving memory of Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado. ***The 49 Questions Campaign amplifies the voices of Pulse survivors, family and friends of Pulse victims, and community members who were affected by the mass shooting and who want answers from the City of Orlando. A question will be asked to the City of Orlando each day, beginning Friday, June 26, 2020—the same week as the Stonewall Uprising in 1969 and the arson attack at the Upstairs Lounge in 1973, signifying our community's painful losses and our enduring courage as we continue to demand transparency, accountability, and justice. Each of the 49 questions is asked in memory of a loved one who was murdered at Pulse on June 12, 2016 and is based on a thorough analysis of available public records. We demand that the City of Orlando provides us with answers. The public records can be found at: https://www.nopulsemuseum.info/expose https://www.orlando.gov/Our-Government/Departments-Offices/Executive-Offices/City-Clerk/Pulse-Tragedy-Public-Records #HonorThemWithAction #Justice4Pulse #Pulse #Orlando #4The49 #ForThe49 #LGBTQ #49Questions #unpermittedrenovations #codeviolations #involuntarymanslaughter #investigateNOW #shutdownOnePULSE #HoldPomasAccountable #transparency #publicrecords #OnePULSE #inspection #OrlandoFireDepartment #investigation #PulseOrlando #Orlando #Pulse #LGBTQ #gaybar #nightclub
Question 46: "Why is the City of Orlando protecting Pulse owners, Barbara and Rosario Poma?"
00:47

Question 46: "Why is the City of Orlando protecting Pulse owners, Barbara and Rosario Poma?"

Pulse survivor Michael asks, “Why does it appear that the City of Orlando has been protecting Pulse owners, Barbara and Rosario Poma, by not providing reporters with all of the facts regarding the violations done at Pulse? By not doing an investigation into the known legal violations that affected the escape and rescue of shooting victims? By openly supporting the OnePULSE Foundation—the nonprofit incorporated by Pulse owner Barbara Poma?” In loving memory of Jean Carlos Mendez Perez. ***The 49 Questions Campaign amplifies the voices of Pulse survivors, family and friends of Pulse victims, and community members who were affected by the mass shooting and who want answers from the City of Orlando. A question will be asked to the City of Orlando each day, beginning Friday, June 26, 2020—the same week as the Stonewall Uprising in 1969 and the arson attack at the Upstairs Lounge in 1973, signifying our community's painful losses and our enduring courage as we continue to demand transparency, accountability, and justice. Each of the 49 questions is asked in memory of a loved one who was murdered at Pulse on June 12, 2016 and is based on a thorough analysis of available public records. We demand that the City of Orlando provides us with answers. The public records can be found at: https://www.nopulsemuseum.info/expose https://www.orlando.gov/Our-Government/Departments-Offices/Executive-Offices/City-Clerk/Pulse-Tragedy-Public-Records #HonorThemWithAction #Justice4Pulse #Pulse #Orlando #4The49 #ForThe49 #LGBTQ #49Questions #unpermittedrenovations #codeviolations #involuntarymanslaughter #investigateNOW #shutdownOnePULSE #HoldPomasAccountable #transparency #publicrecords #OnePULSE #inspection #OrlandoFireDepartment #investigation #PulseOrlando #Orlando #Pulse #LGBTQ #gaybar #nightclub
Question 45: “How was the shooter able to just walk in the Pulse nightclub with an assault rifle?”
00:58

Question 45: “How was the shooter able to just walk in the Pulse nightclub with an assault rifle?”

Nightclubs are required to have adequate security, primarily to check the identification of those entering the business to prevent underage drinking and to prevent violence. Security footage shows that the shooter was able to just walk right into the bar, without being stopped and while holding an automatic rifle. Christine Leinonen asks, “How was the shooter able to just walk in the Pulse nightclub with an assault rifle? Years prior, Rosario Poma told the City that he would be hiring added security. Where were they? How was the front entrance left unattended—if even for a minute?” Public records show that Rosario Poma promised the City of Orlando additional security. Where were they when the shooter walked into Pulse? In loving memory of Enrique L. Rios Jr. ***The 49 Questions Campaign amplifies the voices of Pulse survivors, family and friends of Pulse victims, and community members who were affected by the mass shooting and who want answers from the City of Orlando. A question will be asked to the City of Orlando each day, beginning Friday, June 26, 2020—the same week as the Stonewall Uprising in 1969 and the arson attack at the Upstairs Lounge in 1973, signifying our community's painful losses and our enduring courage as we continue to demand transparency, accountability, and justice. Each of the 49 questions is asked in memory of a loved one who was murdered at Pulse on June 12, 2016 and is based on a thorough analysis of available public records. We demand that the City of Orlando provides us with answers. The public records can be found at: https://www.nopulsemuseum.info/expose https://www.orlando.gov/Our-Government/Departments-Offices/Executive-Offices/City-Clerk/Pulse-Tragedy-Public-Records #HonorThemWithAction #Justice4Pulse #Pulse #Orlando #4The49 #ForThe49 #LGBTQ #49Questions #unpermittedrenovations #codeviolations #involuntarymanslaughter #investigateNOW #shutdownOnePULSE #HoldPomasAccountable #transparency #publicrecords #OnePULSE #inspection #OrlandoFireDepartment #investigation #PulseOrlando #Orlando #Pulse #LGBTQ #gaybar #nightclub
Question 44: Why wasn’t an investigation done into Pulse’s violations and unpermitted renovations?
01:07

Question 44: Why wasn’t an investigation done into Pulse’s violations and unpermitted renovations?

On February 20, 2003—about a year before Pulse opened—a fire broke out in the Station Nightclub in Rhode Island killing 100 people and injuring 230. The owners of that club were convicted of involuntary manslaughter for code violations and their negligence in maintaining a safe property. They ended up in prison. Why hasn’t an investigation been done at Pulse? The City of Orlando knew about its unpermitted renovations and code violations, which are well documented in public records. Yet, no investigation was ever done. “If it was white affluent kids that were killed in that nightclub, would there have been an investigation and charges?” In loving memory of Yilmary Rodriguez Solivan. ***The 49 Questions Campaign amplifies the voices of Pulse survivors, family and friends of Pulse victims, and community members who were affected by the mass shooting and who want answers from the City of Orlando. A question will be asked to the City of Orlando each day, beginning Friday, June 26, 2020—the same week as the Stonewall Uprising in 1969 and the arson attack at the Upstairs Lounge in 1973, signifying our community's painful losses and our enduring courage as we continue to demand transparency, accountability, and justice. Each of the 49 questions is asked in memory of a loved one who was murdered at Pulse on June 12, 2016 and is based on a thorough analysis of available public records. We demand that the City of Orlando provides us with answers. The public records can be found at: https://www.nopulsemuseum.info/expose https://www.orlando.gov/Our-Government/Departments-Offices/Executive-Offices/City-Clerk/Pulse-Tragedy-Public-Records #HonorThemWithAction #Justice4Pulse #Pulse #Orlando #4The49 #ForThe49 #LGBTQ #49Questions #unpermittedrenovations #codeviolations #involuntarymanslaughter #investigateNOW #shutdownOnePULSE #HoldPomasAccountable #transparency
Question 43: “Did Pulse have up-to-date life safety plans?”
00:28

Question 43: “Did Pulse have up-to-date life safety plans?”

“Did Pulse have up-to-date life safety plans that showed the unpermitted layout of the nightclub, as it was on the night of the shooting? If so, why haven’t these been released to the public?” This is the question posed to the City of Orlando after public records show that life safety plans are done and approved after building plans are permitted and approved. Since Pulse’s unpermitted renovations were never brought into compliance and the Orlando Fire Department was told by Tim Johnson that new floor plans were not needed, we wonder if Pulse’s life safety plans were ever updated. The City of Orlando had not yet released any of Pulse’s life safety plans to the public. Public records show that a detailed review of fire protection requirements is performed only when plans are submitted for permitting. And that, “complete sprinkler drawings, designed and sealed by a registered professional engineer, shall be provided as part of construction documents at the time of permitting.” Was Pulse operating for 6 years without the City of Orlando knowing if they had the required life safety features? In loving memory of Luis Daniel Conde. ***The 49 Questions Campaign amplifies the voices of Pulse survivors, family and friends of Pulse victims, and community members who were affected by the mass shooting and who want answers from the City of Orlando. A question will be asked to the City of Orlando each day, beginning Friday, June 26, 2020—the same week as the Stonewall Uprising in 1969 and the arson attack at the Upstairs Lounge in 1973, signifying our community's painful losses and our enduring courage as we continue to demand transparency, accountability, and justice. Each of the 49 questions is asked in memory of a loved one who was murdered at Pulse on June 12, 2016 and is based on a thorough analysis of available public records. We demand that the City of Orlando provides us with answers. The public records can be found at: https://www.nopulsemuseum.info/expose https://www.orlando.gov/Our-Government/Departments-Offices/Executive-Offices/City-Clerk/Pulse-Tragedy-Public-Records #HonorThemWithAction #Justice4Pulse #Pulse #Orlando #4The49 #ForThe49 #LGBTQ #49Questions #unpermittedrenovations #codeviolations #involuntarymanslaughter #investigateNOW #shutdownOnePULSE #HoldPomasAccountable #transparency #publicrecords #OnePULSE #inspection #OrlandoFireDepartment #investigation #PulseOrlando #Orlando #Pulse #LGBTQ #gaybar #nightclub
Question 42: “Are unpermitted renovations and code violations not a public safety concern?”
00:58

Question 42: “Are unpermitted renovations and code violations not a public safety concern?”

Public records show a letter written to Fire Marshal Tammy Hughes by Millennium Fire and Security, Inc. The letter shows that the company was concerned about unpermitted work done to the building and how the illegal modifications could be a public safety concern. Once the City of Orlando received this letter, why didn’t they ever investigate or inspect the Pulse building? This letter was sent years before the shooting and still the building was never fully inspected. A friend asks, “Why didn't the City ever fully inspect the interior of the building and document the changes that were made illegally? Are unpermitted renovations and code violations not a public safety concern?” Furthermore, there are multiple documented complaints about Pulse. There was even a neighborhood meeting with local residents, Pulse owner Rosario Poma, and the police. Why, at this point or any other, didn't the City shut Pulse down for operating as a nightclub in violation of its conditional use permit? In loving memory of Juan P. Rivera Velazquez. ***The 49 Questions Campaign amplifies the voices of Pulse survivors, family and friends of Pulse victims, and community members who were affected by the mass shooting and who want answers from the City of Orlando. A question will be asked to the City of Orlando each day, beginning Friday, June 26, 2020—the same week as the Stonewall Uprising in 1969 and the arson attack at the Upstairs Lounge in 1973, signifying our community's painful losses and our enduring courage as we continue to demand transparency, accountability, and justice. Each of the 49 questions is asked in memory of a loved one who was murdered at Pulse on June 12, 2016 and is based on a thorough analysis of available public records. We demand that the City of Orlando provides us with answers. The public records can be found at: https://www.nopulsemuseum.info/expose https://www.orlando.gov/Our-Government/Departments-Offices/Executive-Offices/City-Clerk/Pulse-Tragedy-Public-Records #HonorThemWithAction #Justice4Pulse #Pulse #Orlando #4The49 #ForThe49 #LGBTQ #49Questions #unpermittedrenovations #codeviolations #involuntarymanslaughter #investigateNOW #shutdownOnePULSE #HoldPomasAccountable #transparency #publicrecords #OnePULSE #inspection #OrlandoFireDepartment #investigation #PulseOrlando #Orlando #Pulse #LGBTQ #gaybar #nightclub
Question 41: "Why didn’t the City of Orlando provide the Orlando Sentinel with just the facts?"
01:54

Question 41: "Why didn’t the City of Orlando provide the Orlando Sentinel with just the facts?"

Public documents, specifically emails between the Office of the Mayor and an Orlando Sentinel reporter, show that the City provided misinformation to the public; making claims that are not supported by public records. In addition, inaccurate information was also passed around internally through a Q&A document. We ask, "How can this information be passed around, when public records show that none of this information is factual? Because the City did NO inspections of the unpermitted work inside Pulse, how could it possibly tell a reporter for the Orlando Sentinel that the building was safe?" Will the City of Orlando ever provide the public with the facts surrounding Pulse's unpermitted renovationd, code violations, and its own mistakes, which allowed a business to continue to operate without being in compliance with local and State laws and led to an increase in injury and the loss of life on June 12, 2016? In loving memory of Shane Evan Tomlinson. ***The 49 Questions Campaign amplifies the voices of Pulse survivors, family and friends of Pulse victims, and community members who were affected by the mass shooting and who want answers from the City of Orlando. A question will be asked to the City of Orlando each day, beginning Friday, June 26, 2020—the same week as the Stonewall Uprising in 1969 and the arson attack at the Upstairs Lounge in 1973, signifying our community's painful losses and our enduring courage as we continue to demand transparency, accountability, and justice. Each of the 49 questions is asked in memory of a loved one who was murdered at Pulse on June 12, 2016 and is based on a thorough analysis of available public records. We demand that the City of Orlando provides us with answers. #HonorThemWithAction #Justice4Pulse #Pulse #Orlando #4The49 #ForThe49 #LGBTQ #49Questions #unpermittedrenovations #codeviolations
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