Fethullah Gülen’s Statement on the Shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada

October 2, 2017 – I am shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic mass shooting at a music festival in Las Vegas on Sunday night, that resulted in the deaths of more than 50 people and the wounding of more than 500.

Despite the intense grief we all share, I am heartened by the compassion that millions of Americans have already shown through their messages of love, charitable contributions to those impacted and even through blood donations to local hospitals where hundreds of victims are still being treated. In dark and difficult moments such as these, such acts of kindness are a constant reminder that the fabric of American society is much stronger than the hatred harbored by any one individual.

I express my deepest and heart-felt condolences to all those who lost their loved ones during this tragic act of violence and to the American people. I encourage Americans of all backgrounds to offer their prayers, good wishes and support to all of those who have been affected. I pray to God, the Most Compassionate, to lead our society to days of peace and tranquility, and to bring comfort to those who have lost friends, family and colleagues to this unspeakable tragedy.

About Fethullah Gülen

Fethullah Gülen is an Islamic scholar, preacher and social advocate, whose decades‐long commitment to education, interfaith dialogue and altruism has inspired millions in Turkey and around the world. Gülen is the honorary chairman of the Rumi Forum, Washington, DC and the Intercultural Dialogue Platform, Brussels, Belgium.

 About Alliance for Shared Values

The Alliance for Shared Values (AFSV) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves as a voice for cultural organizations affiliated with Hizmet, a civil society movement inspired by prominent preacher and peace advocate Fethullah Gülen. The Alliance strives to promote peace and social harmony by helping reduce misinformation and false stereotypes about any or all ethnic, cultural and religious communities.

Download statement in pdf

Download statement in Turkish

STATEMENTS / PRESS RELEASES