President Obama Speaks on Tragic Shooting in Orlando

At around 2:00 pm ET, President Obama spoke about the tragic shooting that took place overnight in Orlando, Florida.

We have to decide if that’s the kind of country we want to be — – President Obama, speaking to the nation following the worst mass shooting in U.S. history

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Accused attacker called 911 before Orlando shooting and declared allegiance to Islamic State, official says

Omar Mateen called 911 moments before the attack, pledging allegiance to the Islamic State, a federal law enforcement official told The Times, confirming earlier reports. Federal investigators believe the selfie photos of Mateen taken from his MySpace page and being circulated on the Internet are of him, but emphasized the investigation was in its early stages.

In a suspected terrorist attack that could shake up the presidential campaign, President Obama and Hillary Clinton reacted with caution and prayers Sunday to the mass shooting at a nightclub in Florida, while Donald Trump called the tragedy “really bad.”

Fifty people were killed and 53 were injured when the shooter, identified as Omar Mateen, opened fire at the crowded Pulse Orlando nightclub early Sunday morning. Authorities were investigating his motive and working to identify the victims on Sunday afternoon.


Statement from Press Secretary Josh Earnest:

The President was briefed this morning by Lisa Monaco, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, on the tragic shooting in Orlando, Florida. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims. 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.

 

Statement from Vice President Joe Biden’s spokesperson:

The Vice President was briefed this morning by his national security advisor on the heinous attack that took place overnight at a nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Vice President Biden offered his prayers for all those killed and injured in the shooting and sends his condolences to all the families and loved ones of the victims.  He is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to receive regular updates as we know more.


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