Boston Muslim Community Reacts to Orlando Shooting

Gunman Omar Mateen had links to Islamic extremist group ISIS, an organization most Muslim leaders denounce

The Boston Muslim community is reacting to the Orlando, Florida, nightclub shooting in which 49 people were killed, and the gunman's connection to ISIS.

Gunman Omar Mateen had links to Islamic extremist group ISIS, an organization most Muslim leaders denounce.

"I had my partner asked me if I planned on changing my FB name because it is a problem," said Xandra Minter.

Minter is a gay Muslim. She says that after the terror attacks in Orlando, many of her friends are fearful to disclose their sexuality in public spaces.

She added, "Yesterday was the first time that I've ever been so public about my sexuality, and I think that I'm only just understanding what the consequences of that may be."

Minter also worries that she'll become an even bigger target for hate crimes because of her religion.

Samh Alananzah, 21, says that she is often discriminated after terror attacks happen, just for being a Muslim.

"Some people like in here in America, they see you with a hijab. They start looking at you like a different way," she said.

Puerto Rican Ramon Rodriguez said in Spanish that ISIS ideals do not represent Islam. Rodriguez says his religion condemns any type of murder.

Rodriguez said, "It's amazing to see how we can come together and be supporting of one another. There are so many messages of support."

For her, living in fear is no longer an option.

She said, "Because I feel that God is on my side. God is on the side of justice. And I really hope that world continues to see that violence and killing people is not the answer."

Necn's Jeff Saperstone is also in Orlando reporting on this developing story. Tune in for live coverage.

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