On Tuesday, the United States Department of Justice announced that the victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting would receive nearly $8.5 million. The money would go not only to survivors but to the families of those who were killed as well as responders for emotional and financial support.
“This award will reimburse victim services costs for operation of the Family Assistance Center in the immediate aftermath of the shooting, and ensure that victims, witnesses and first responders receive necessary services to help them adjust in the aftermath of violence, begin the healing process and cope with probable re-traumatization,” Marilyn McCoy Roberts, acting director of the Office for Victims of Crime, said in a statement.
According to the department, the funds will be granted on Wednesday and distributed by Florida officials.
On June 12, 2016, 49 people were killed by shooter Omar Mateen in the deadliest mass shooting in American history at a gay nightclub in Orlando.