The worst mass shooting in U.S. history took place early Sunday, when a gunman opened fire inside Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, leaving 50 dead and 53 others injured.
The shooter, who has been identified as 29-year-old Omar Mateen, took over the venue around 2 a.m. as the venue was wrapping up its “Latin Night” party.
Investigators are treating the incident as a terrorist attack for its similarities to the ones in Paris last November. “The Orlando nightclub mass shooting was inspired by Islamic State, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee said Sunday,” officials stated.
Right now, the world is mourning the death of innocent people and is standing with the LGBT community. Here are some of the reactions from media personalities and more.
My❤️ is breaking for you #Orlando! Sending love to all those affected by this ridiculous violence and... (1/2) pic.twitter.com/oQ2mOLzuJN
— Enrique Iglesias (@enriqueiglesias) June 12, 2016
The 2016 #TonyAwards are dedicated to those affected by the events in Orlando. pic.twitter.com/ILNbbhxSHD
— The Tony Awards (@TheTonyAwards) June 12, 2016
Our hearts break for the victims and families of this horrific act of violence. We stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ community in #Orlando.
— GLAAD (@glaad) June 12, 2016
I am gay and I am not afraid. Love conquers all. #PrayforOrlando
— Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) June 12, 2016
Our prayers to the victims of the Orlando tragedy and their loved ones.
— Marc Anthony (@MarcAnthony) June 12, 2016
My heart is heavy, learning of yet another senseless mass shooting in our nation. My family and I pray for the victims and their loved ones.
— Julián Castro (@SecretaryCastro) June 12, 2016
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
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) June 12, 2016
Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings stated that he sees the incident that they should “certainly classify as domestic terror incident.”
Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, also said in a statement that the similarities to the November attacks in Paris, specifically the one on the Bataclan, “indicate an ISIS-inspired act of terrorism.”
The tragic massacre comes only hours after "The Voice" contestant Christina Grimmie was shot to death by a 27-year-old man after one of her concerts in Orlando as well.
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