Cox began his tearful and heartfelt statements by admitting that as a "balding, youngish, middle-aged straight, white, male, Republican, politician" he likely isn't someone they would have expected to be speaking at the event.

"I'm here because those 49 people were gay. I'm here because it shouldn't matter. But I'm here because it does. I am not here to tell you that I know exactly what you are going through. I am not here to tell you that I feel your pain. I don't pretend to know the depths of what you are feeling right now. But I do know what it feels like to be scared. And I do know what it feels like to be sad. And I do know what it feels like to be rejected. And, more importantly, I know what it feels like to be loved," Cox continued.

Cox then explained that he grew up in a small town and attended a rural high school where he wasn't always kind to those who seemed different than him — and for that, he apologized.

"Sometimes I wasn't kind to them. I didn't know it at the time, but I know now that they were gay. I will forever regret not treating them with the kindness, dignity and respect — the love — that they deserved. For that, I sincerely and humbly apologize," Cox stated as he choked back tears.