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World reacts to Orlando shooting

US PRESIDENT Barack Obama has described the mass shooting as “an act of terror” as leaders express shock and devastation.

AP and staff writers
4 min read
June 13, 2016 - 5:42PM
News Corp Australia Network
Christine Leinonen, 58, waits for information outside of the Orlando Regional Medical Center about her son Chris who is missing after a fatal shooting and hostage situation at Pulse nightclub. Picture: Gerardo Mora/Getty Images/AFP
Christine Leinonen, 58, waits for information outside of the Orlando Regional Medical Center about her son Chris who is missing after a fatal shooting and hostage situation at Pulse nightclub. Picture: Gerardo Mora/Getty Images/AFP

WORLD leaders, authorities and the public have expressed their shock and devastation at the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. At least 50 people were killed and dozens of others wounded, when a gunman wielding an assault-type rifle opened fire in the club before dying in a gunfight with SWAT officers.

US President Barack Obama has made a statment condemning the attack, the worst mass shooting in American history. The president has called the shooting a “horrific massacre” and an act of terrorism and hate. “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,” Obama said in a public address.

“The FBI is appropriately investigating this as an act of terrorism,” he said. “And I’ve directed that we must spare no effort to determine what — if any — inspiration or association this killer may have had with terrorist groups. What is clear is that he was a person filled with hatred. Over the coming days, we’ll uncover why and how this happened.”

President Barack Obama speaks about the massacre at a Orlando nightclub during a news conference at the White House in Washington, Sunday, June 12, 2016.
President Barack Obama speaks about the massacre at a Orlando nightclub during a news conference at the White House in Washington, Sunday, June 12, 2016.

The president said the attack was “especially heartbreaking” for those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. “The place where they were attacked is more than a nightclub—it is a place of solidarity and empowerment where people have come together to raise awareness, to speak their minds, and to advocate for their civil rights.”

He also made a point about the ease at which people can get their hands on deadly weapons. “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, or in a house of worship, or a movie theater, or in a nightclub. And we have to decide if that’s the kind of country we want to be. And to actively do nothing is a decision as well.”

Obama has ordered that all flags at the White House and other government buildings be lowered to half-mast in respect to the victims.

The club where the shooting occurred took to Facebook and Twitter to thank the public for their support: “Please keep everyone in your prayers as we work through this tragic event. Thank you for your thoughts and love.”

One Pulse patron, who managed to escape the club unharmed, expressed his disbelief at the situation. “I was thinking, ‘Are you kidding me?’ So I just dropped down. I just said, ‘Please, please, please, I want to make it out.’ And when I did, I saw people shot. I saw blood,” said Christopher Hansen, who was in the VIP lounge when the shooting broke out.

Local authorities have also made statements about the shooting. Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings, said “This is an incident, as I see it, that we certainly classify as domestic terror incident”, while Florida Governer Rick Sott said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, families and all those affected by this horrific tragedy. We are a strong and resilient state and we will devote every resource available to assist with the shooting in Orlando.”

Equality Florida spoke out about the anti-gay sentiment behind the attack. “We are heartbroken and angry that senseless violence has once again destroyed lives in our state and in our country. Gay clubs hold a significant place in LGBTQ history. They were often the only safe gathering place and this horrific act strikes directly at our sense of safety.”

Meanwhile, people worldwide have responded to the event on social media platforms, with hashtags such as #Orlando, #PulseNightclub, #gunsense, #ThoughtsAndPrayers, #PulseShooting, #LoveConquersHate, #GunReformNOW, #Islamophobia and #TheNRA all trending on Twitter. World leaders have also sent their condolences to those affected by the tragedy and condemned the attack.

Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton tweeted: “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.”

Clinton later posted the following statement on Facebook, vowing to fight terrorism and crimes of hate. She also stated that something needs to be done to keep guns out of the hands of criminals.

Republican White House hopeful Donald Trump tweeted: “Horrific incident in FL. Praying for all the victims & their families. When will this stop? When will we get tough, smart & vigilant?” Tweet from Donald Trump, Republican presidential candidate.

In a statement, French President Francois Hollande said he “condemns with horror” the mass killing in Florida and “expresses the full support of France and the French with America’s authorities and its people in this difficult time”.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said, “My thoughts go out to the victims, to which I offer my condolences, as well as the many wounded, to whom I wish a speedy recovery. I express my solidarity to the American people and its authorities in this terrible ordeal.”

Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted that he was “horrified” by the attack.

Italian Premier Matteo Renzi posted, “Our heart is with our American brothers.”

Deputy Prime Minister of Republic of Turkey, Mehmet Simsek, tweeted: “I condemn, unequivocally, the horrific terrorist attack in #Orlando - as we’ve seen time & again, terrorism knows no religion, creed or race.”

Rasha Mubarak, Orlando regional co-ordinator for Florida’s chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, expressed similar sentiments. “We condemn this monstrous attack and offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those killed or injured. The Muslim community joins our fellow Americans in repudiating anyone or any group that would claim to justify or excuse such an appalling act of violence.” .

Democratic U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff of California said he would be marching in a gay pride parade in solidarity with the victims. “This morning, I will be marching in the West Hollywood Pride Parade with a heavy heart, but we will march in solidarity with all those who are the victims of terrorism and hatred.”

And the outpouring from the general public has been filled with messages of frustration and anger over gun violence and lax guns laws.

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/world/north-america/world-reacts-to-orlando-shooting/news-story/1e95f85e69e9e796ce1c8ce8163245f6