Orlando Pulse Nightclub Owner Plans Memorial, Museum

ORLANDO, FL — Nearly a year after the worst mass shooting in modern American history occurred at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, owner Barbara Poma has announced plans to turn the scene of the tragedy into a permanent memorial and museum. The fate of the Pulse site had been a topic of speculation since last December when Poma pulled out of a $2.25 million deal for its sale to the city of Orlando.

Poma announced the establishment of the onePULSE Foundation during a Thursday media conference. The foundation will be tasked with raising money for the creation of a permanent memorial, scholarships and community grants to benefit victims and their families. The foundation will eventually create a museum to honor the 49 people killed and 68 injured during the June 12, 2016, massacre at the popular gay bar.

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“This must and will be a healing initiative,” Poma said Thursday.

The onePULSE Foundation is a nonprofit incorporated by Poma with a mission “to create a sanctuary of hope around this tragic day in American history,” according to its website. The resulting memorial and museum will also honor the first responders and health care professionals who cared for the victims following the shooting.

The Pulse nightclub was thrust into the international spotlight when Omar Mateen, 29, walked into the packed establishment in the early morning hours of June 12 and opened fire. Mateen was shot and killed by law enforcement, ending the rampage.

The federal government has described Mateen’s assault on the nightclub as an act of terror. Mateen placed 911 calls during the attack pledging his support of the Islamic State.

Since the attack, the outpouring of support for Orlando, the families of victims and survivors has been steady. In August, two of the hospitals that treated patients in the hours, weeks and months after the shooting, announced their intention to waive bills.

Following the shooting, the city of Orlando announced plans to purchase the site and build a memorial honoring the victims. Poma, however, pulled out of the $2.25 million deal, which added up to $1.65 million more than the property’s appraised value.

See also: Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub Purchase Nixed By Owner

After announcing the nixing of the deal, Poma said she could not walk away from the club that “means so very much to my family and to our community." She promised in December to “create space for everyone, a sanctuary of hope, and a welcoming area to remember all those affected by the tragedy.”

The onePULSE Foundation is actively seeking donations for the creation of the memorial and its other plans to honor victims, survivors and their families. More information can be found on the nonprofit’s website.

Screenshot and video via the Associated Press