Early Sunday morning (Jun 12), an American-born man who pledged allegiance to ISIS opened fire at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, killing 50 people and injuring 53.
The shooter, Omar Mateen, was killed when police raided the club, but only after unleashing the largest mass shooting in American history.
Today, as news of the horrendous event poured out, reactions from around the world started rolling in.
President Obama came out condemning the act, which he declared an act of terrorism. He expressed his condolences to the victims, their families, and the city of Orlando as well as the entire LGBQT community who was especially affected by this shooting.
Obama also used this statement, as he has been forced to do so many times before, to express his desire for more substantial gun law reform to avoid further travesties like this in the future.
“We as Americans, we grieve the brutal murder and horrific massacre of dozens of innocent people…Although it’s still early in the investigation, we know enough to say that this was an act of terror and an act of hate…This is an especially heartbreaking day for all of our friends, all of our fellow Americans who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender…we have to decide if that is the kind of country we want to be.”
Other politicians came out on Twitter sending their support to victims of the shooting.
Woke up to hear the devastating news from FL. As we wait for more information, my thoughts are with those affected by this horrific act. -H
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 12, 2016
"This is a time to stand together and resolve to do everything we can to defend our communities and country." —Hillary on the attack in FL
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 12, 2016
"We need to keep guns like the ones used last night out of the hands of terrorists or other violent criminals." —Hillary on the FL attack
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 12, 2016
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
Appreciate the congrats for being right on radical Islamic terrorism, I don't want congrats, I want toughness & vigilance. We must be smart!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016
Our prayers are with those injured and killed early this morning in horrifying act of terror in Orlando.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 12, 2016
Bernie Sanders took a harder stance when he released his statement, saying,”I’ve got to tell you for 25 years now, I’ve believed that we should not be selling automatic weapons which are designed to kill people, and we’ve got to do everything we can on top of that to make sure that guns do not fall into the hands of people who should not have them.”
All Americans are horrified, disgusted and saddened by the horrific atrocity in Orlando. Full statement: pic.twitter.com/ci5kxXKSyZ
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) June 12, 2016
But politicians weren’t the only ones coming out with statements after the shooting. A number of celebrities and athletes joined in the conversation as well, sending their support and asking when massacres like this will end.
Sobbing.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) June 12, 2016
Horrified by the mass shooting in Orlando. When will we do something to prevent these killing sprees?
— John Legend (@johnlegend) June 12, 2016
I'm heartbroken for the victims, for Orlando, for the LGBT community, for our country. When does it end?
— josh groban (@joshgroban) June 12, 2016
so. much. violence. it hurts my heart. sending as much Light and love as I possibly can to anyone and everyone I can possibly reach.
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) 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
Unspeakable. So much suffering today. My heart goes out to the families of the victims in Orlando. #Pride
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) June 12, 2016
My heart goes out to the victims and their families. Our community has suffered a tremendous loss. We must stand together more than ever.
— Ellen Page (@EllenPage) June 12, 2016
Just heard about the shooting at the gay club in Orlando. What can we do? Hard to even find words right now. #PrayForOrlando #Pulse
— Perez (@ThePerezHilton) June 12, 2016
Shattered this morning by news out of Orlando. Ban assault weapons, fight hatred, don't succumb to fear or to demagogues.
— Dan Savage (@fakedansavage) June 12, 2016
My prayer is that our children look back at this time w/ disbelief b/c they live under such different gun laws such a crime is unimaginable
— zoe kazan (@zoeinthecities) June 12, 2016
I am gay and I am not afraid. Love conquers all. #PrayforOrlando
— Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) June 12, 2016
I'm truly at a loss for words. To everyone in Orlando affected by this massacre, my thoughts, love, & prayers are with u ??????
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) June 12, 2016
My heart is with everyone affected by the terrible events in Orlando. Hate, to violence, to more hate. Where does it end? Makes me sick.
— Jeremy Jordan (@JeremyMJordan) June 12, 2016
And while politicians and celebrities mourn the losses of last night and demand answers on the front of gun reform, one particular group has failed to make a statement: The National Rifle Association (NRA).
