Likely nominees for 2016 presidential election reacted to mass shootings in an Orlando nightclub – the deadliest gun attack in America – with grief over loss of lives and sympathy for those afflicted by the act of terror.
Democratic Hillary Clinton called the killings in Pulse nightclub – popular with members of LGBT community – a “devastating news.”
“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,” she wrote on her twitter account.
The death toll in the shooting rampage – carried out by 29-year-old Omar Mateen, climbed to 50. Another 53 were injured in the nightclub filled with more than 300 citizens. Mateen, a U.S. citizen of Afghan descent, had been a person of interest in the past.
Republican Donald Trump called the incident a “really bad” shooting, and questioned when will the US deal with the issue in a “tough, smart & vigilant” manner.
“Really bad shooting in Orlando. Police investigating possible terrorism. Many people dead and wounded.
“Horrific incident in FL. Praying for all the victims & their families. When will this stop? When will we get tough, smart & vigilant?” he said in a series of tweets.
The Orlando tragedy is likely to ratchet up continuing political debate on the issues of terrorism and gun violence in the upcoming months as candidates seek to assure American voters of their ability to lead efforts to deal with the tough issues.
