World reacts to Orlando shooting

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. He has sent his thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims, and ordered that all flags at the White House and other government buildings be lowered to half-mast.

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.Source:AP

The club whe-re 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 d-ropped 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 f-rom FL. As we wait for more information, my thoughts are with those affected by this horrific act.”

While, 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 f-rom 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.”

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 f-rom the general public has been filled with messages of frustration and anger over gun violence and lax guns laws.