As news of the deadliest mass shooting in history spread, the White House, presumptive U.S. presidential candidates, and celebrities all took to Twitter to condemn the crime and share their sympathies.
50 people were killed and 53 injured early Sunday morning in a mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla. A male gunman opened fire on the crowded nightclub with an assault rifle, sending patrons fleeing. The suspect was killed after engaging with S.W.A.T. CNN has identified the suspect as Omar Saddiqui Mateen.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest said in a statement. “The President asked to receive regular updates as the FBI, and other federal officials, work with the Orlando Police to gather more information, and directed that the federal government provide any assistance necessary to pursue the investigation and support the community.”
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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
“It’s horrific, it’s unthinkable,” Senator Bernie Sanders said on Sunday’s “Meet the Press.” Other politicians weighed in.
Our prayers are with those injured and killed early this morning in horrifying act of terror in Orlando.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 12, 2016
We pray for those brutally attacked in Orlando. While we must learn more about the attacker, the victims & families will not be forgotten.
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) June 12, 2016
Meanwhile, celebrities expressed their horror over the worst mass shooting in U.S. history.
Oh wow. Devastating news.Praying for the victims of the shooting in Orlando and their families.Heartbreaking and senseless.I am so sorry.???
— Sara Bareilles (@SaraBareilles) June 12, 2016
Devastated by the news out of FL. Whatever the madness behind this, let us all come together first to support victims & their loved ones.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) June 12, 2016
Heartbreaking news from Orlando Fl. Thinking of all of those who have been touched by this devastating tragedy. #Orlando
— Debra Messing✍? (@DebraMessing) June 12, 2016
I am sickened to awake to the horrific news out of #Orlando. Smiling, happy, dancing people gunned down for no reason. Hug your friends. ❤️?
— Ross Mathews (@helloross) June 12, 2016
https://twitter.com/kunalnayyar/status/742001385068199936
I am speechless, sick, and so sad reading the news from Orlando. Sending strength to my gay brothers and sisters. 50 people!!!! FIFTY
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) June 12, 2016
Omg how sad. What an effed up world. We better be thinking carefully about this election. So scary.
— Bethenny Frankel (@Bethenny) June 12, 2016
How many people have to be killed before we act as a nation to #EndGunViolence? #Orlando @Everytown @MomsDemand https://t.co/UBeBearjF2
— Julianne Moore (@_juliannemoore) June 12, 2016
This morning stop and take a moment to pray for those in Orlando.
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) June 12, 2016
More to come.