Father of slain woman says he forgives Orlando killer: 'I cannot live with such great hatred'

The father of a 26-year-old woman who lost her life in the attack on Orlando LGBT nightclub Pulse says that he forgives his daughter's killer.

The Guardian said Monday that Guatemala-born Cesar Flores told reporters, "I forgive the murderer of my daughter, I cannot live with such great hatred."

In tear-choked, broken English, Flores said that his daughter Mercedez Marisol Flores was "a great girl." Born in New York City, she was a student at Orlando’s Valencia Community College.

“I want you to take better care of your children, see the situation I’m going through. Be together in peace and love one another," said Mr. Flores.

"Mercedez, she had so many ideas, so much happening,” said Flores. “She was a very happy girl all of the time, she worked hard.”

His daughter died at Pulse alongside her best friend since childhood, Amanda Alvear, a 25-year-old nursing student.

“They grew up together, they were best friends,” Flores said. “No words can describe the pain.”

Gunman Omar Mateen killed 50 people and injured 54 more in the attack. He died at the scene.