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Florida Legislators Push To Get National Memorial Designation For Orlando's Pulse Nightclub

MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) -- Legislation is being introduced that would designate Orlando's Pulse nightclub a national memorial.

Pulse is the gay nightclub where 49 people were massacred three years ago by a supporter of ISIS, the Islamic State.

U.S. Reps. Darren Soto and Stephanie Murphy said Monday at a ceremony outside the former nightclub that the designation will preserve and protect Pulse nightclub for future generations and give it the federal recognition it deserves.

Pulse owner Barbara Poma has established a nonprofit to open a memorial and museum at the site.

Monday's ceremony was interrupted briefly by the mother of Christopher "Drew" Leinonen, who was killed at the nightclub. Christine Leinonen began shouting at Poma when she came to the speaker's podium.

Afterward, Leinonen says she blames Poma for inadequate security at the nightclub.

(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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