Reaction is pouring in online after at least 50 people were killed and another 53 people were injured in a mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla. Officials say the attack is the worst mass shooting in U.S. history
Here is a look at some of the reaction.
WHITE HOUSE
Statement by @PressSec on the tragic shooting in Orlando: https://t.co/61AlHODnJ7 pic.twitter.com/GUCmIWNctn
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 12, 2016
HILLARY CLINTON
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
DONALD TRUMP
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
Officials across Florida expressed their condolences online. Orlando Police shared the story of an officer nearly killed in the gunfire and Equality Florida, an advocacy group, underlined the role gay clubs have held as safe spaces for the LGBTQ community.
FLORIDA GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT
My prayers are with the victims’ families & all those affected by the shooting in Orlando. We will devote every resource available to assist
— Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) June 12, 2016
EQUALITY FLORIDA
ORLANDO POLICE
Pulse shooting: In hail of gunfire in which suspect was killed, OPD officer was hit. Kevlar helmet saved his life. pic.twitter.com/MAb0jGi7r4
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 12, 2016
A call for blood donations led to massive crowds at donor centres, but some expressed outrage at the fact that gay men are banned from donating blood due to U.S. FDA regulations.
ONE BLOOD
FLORIDA STATE SENATOR DARREN SOTO
Line is out the door at blood bank as our community comes together in crisis. #sayfie #fdp #prayfororlando pic.twitter.com/HYJqgOr1UX
— Darren Soto (@SenDarrenSoto) June 12, 2016
If you're in Florida and eligible to donate blood, please do. Remember that many friends of the victims are not legally able to do so now.
— Carina MacKenzie (@cadlymack) June 12, 2016
Canadian politicians from all levels of government offered words of support.
PRIME MINISTER JUSTIN TRUDEAU
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
MINISTER OF PUBLIC SAFETY RALPH GOODALE
Shocked at mass shooting in Orlando. Cdns condemn this brutal violence. Thoughts+prayers with victims and their loved ones.
— Ralph Goodale (@RalphGoodale) June 12, 2016
MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENCE HAJIT SAJJAN
Thinking of all affected by this senseless act of violence in Orlando. Standing united with the LGBTQ community there and around the world.
— Harjit Sajjan (@HarjitSajjan) June 12, 2016
CONSERVATIVE INTERIM LEADER RONA AMBROSE
NDP LEADER TOM MULCAIR
Terribly shocked to learn of the shooting at a gay nightclub in Florida. We stand with Orlando and the #LGBT community today & always.
— Tom Mulcair (@ThomasMulcair) June 12, 2016
ONTARIO PREMIER KATHLEEN WYNNE
Shocked and heartbroken by the news of the #Orlando terrorist attack. Our thoughts are with the entire #LGBTQ2S community.
— Kathleen Wynne (@Kathleen_Wynne) June 12, 2016
LIBERAL MP ROB OLIPHANT
As a gay man I have worried about a massacre like #Orlando my whole life. 1 person is a tragedy. 50 is unimaginable. Today I pray & hope.
— Rob Oliphant (@Rob_Oliphant) June 12, 2016
The mass shooting at Pulse nightclub comes as Canada and the U.S. celebrate Pride month. Vigils across Canada have been organized to honour those killed in the Orlando massacre.
PRIDE TORONTO
Join us at a vigil for those affected by the tragic events in Orlando tonight at 8PM at the Legislature Grounds pic.twitter.com/u00yX5MzQB
— Edmonton Pride (@YEGPride) June 12, 2016
Please join us tonight at 8pm at the Vancouver Art Gallery for a candlelight vigil in honour of the victims and... https://t.co/v3KxpY9Ox7
— Vancouver Pride (@vancouverpride) June 12, 2016
Candlelight vigil for #Pulse victims at 9pm tonight in Olympic Plaza. All are welcome to attend. https://t.co/nWo0L2EV4d
— Calgary Pride (@CalgaryPride) June 12, 2016
Celebrities, politicians and leaders within the gay community also expressed messages of grief and outrage.
CHER
NO WORDS GOOD ENOUGH��‼️WHEN UR HURT, WOUNDED, MURDERED WE ALL CRY‼️WE ALL MOURN ‼️WE R ALL LESS WITHOUT U MY EXTENDED FAMILY����‼️#URNOTALONE
— Cher (@cher) June 12, 2016
JULIANNE MOORE
Email or call your Representative and ask them why they have done nothing to #EndGunViolence #Orlando https://t.co/GDvX9u3nKU
— Julianne Moore (@_juliannemoore) June 12, 2016
MICHELLE VISAGE
This tragedy in Orlando has left me empty. sadness beyond emotion. This is what is still happening. My heart is weeping. I send prayers
— michelle visage (@michellevisage) June 12, 2016
ARIANA GRANDE
How how how how can one have so much hate ????? My heart...... is so broken. Praying for the families of the Orlando victims. I am so sorry.
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) June 12, 2016
MAYOR OF LONDON SADIQ KHAN
I stand with the City of Orlando against hate and bigotry. My thoughts are with all the victims of this horrific attack #lovewins
— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) June 12, 2016
ELLEN DEGENERES
Sobbing.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) June 12, 2016
LAVERNE COX
Deeply moved that in the face of tragedy Orlando & Americans everywhere are coming together to give blood, love & support.This is who we are
— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) June 12, 2016
