Mother of Orlando shooting victim speaks out in support of Clinton

Less than two months after the Orlando nightclub shooting that took 49 lives, a mother whose son was one of the victims spoke out in favor of Hillary Clinton on Wednesday night.

Christine Leionen, mother of Christopher “Drew” Leinonen, addressed the Democratic National Convention to advocate for stricter gun legislation.


“Christopher was a big Hillary supporter. That is why I’m here.” she said, joined on stage by Pulse massacre survivor Brandon Wolf and her son’s ex-boyfriend Jose Arriagada.

Leionen, who is one of the first family members to speak out since the attack, said she was a Michigan State Trooper when her only son was born. “When I went into labor, the hospital put my off-duty gun in a safe. I did not argue. I know commonsense gun policies saves lives.”

“I'm glad commonsense gun policy was in place the day Christopher was born. But where was that common sense the day he died? I never want you to ask the question about your child. That is why I support Hillary Clinton.” she added.