The mourning continues after a tragic shooting that left 49 dead and over 50 people injured inside a gay nightclub in Orlando.
President Barack Obama made a statement to Americans, “This is the most deadly shooting in American history. The shooter was apparently armed with a handgun, and a powerful assault rifle. This massacre is therefore a further reminder of how easy it is for someone to get their hands on a weapon that lets them shoot people, in a school, in a house of worship or in a nightclub.”
“In the face of hate and violence, we will love one another. We will not give into fear.” —@POTUS https://t.co/i7fOS38GzH
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 12, 2016
Candlelight vigils were held around the world, and members of the LGBTQ communities remain in shock.
The gunman, identified as 29 year old Omar Mateen held hostages at gun point for hours. He reportedly called 911 during the incident and pledged allegiance to ISIS..Other reports say he may have become enraged when he saw two men kissing.
Mateen had been investigated at least twice by the FBI in 2013 and 2014 for radical Islamic leanings but, despite that, had been employed as a security guard for a government contractor and was licensed to carry firearms.
His former wife says Mateen was physically abusive, bi-polar and mentally unstable. They met online and were married only a few months when her family helped her flee.
Obama says, “What is clear, is that he was a person filled with hatred. In the coming days, we’ll uncover why and how this happen and we will go where the facts lead us.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also made his statement, expressing his condolences, ““I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn today so many people have been killed and injured following a mass shooting in Orlando, Florida. On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I offer our condolences and prayers to the families and friends of those lost today, and wish a full recovery to all those injured. We stand in solidarity with Orlando and the LGBTQ2 community.”
We grieve with our friends in the US & stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ2 community after today’s terror attack: https://t.co/nwP2MR2xUm
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 12, 2016
The 2016 Presidential candidates also posted their feelings to Twitter,
Horrific incident in FL. Praying for all the victims & their families. When will this stop? When will we get tough, smart & vigilant?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016
“This was an act of terror. … This was also an act of hate.” —Hillary on the attack in Orlando https://t.co/MmaGjrSufr
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 12, 2016
Celebrities around the globe also shared their words of condolence.
The tragedy in Orlando is just beyond sad. My deepest regrets to all those suffering. There are no words that suffice. I’m…stunned.
— Neil Patrick Harris (@ActuallyNPH) June 12, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are w my brothers and sisters who were at Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub. RIP to those who lost their lives.
— ADAM LAMBERT (@adamlambert) June 12, 2016
We need more than thoughts & prayers from our politicians to #EndGunViolence. America needs action. #Orlando https://t.co/g73hiycUDP
— Everytown (@Everytown) June 12, 2016
