President Barack Obama on Sunday
responded to a mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando.
At least 50 people are dead and another
53 wounded from an attack on the Pulse nightclub.
(Related: 50
killed in Orlando gay nightclub; worst mass shooting in U.S.
History.)
Obama called the attack an “act of
terror and an act of hate.”
“As Americans we are united in grief,
in outrage and in resolve to defend our people,” the president told
reporters.
“We are still learning all the facts.
This is an open investigation. We've reached no definitive judgment
on the precise motivations of the killer. The FBI is appropriately
investigating this as an act of terrorism.”
“What is clear, is that he was a
person filled with hatred.”
“This could have been any one of our
communities,” Obama continued. “So, I told Mayor [Buddy] Dyer
that whatever help he and the people of Orlando need, they are going
to get it. As a country, we will be there for the people of Orlando
today, tomorrow and for all the days to come.”
“This is an especially heartbreaking
day for all of our friends, our fellow Americans who are lesbian,
gay, bisexual or transgender. The shooter targeted a nightclub where
people came together to be with friends, to dance and to sing, and to
live. … So, this is a sobering reminder that attacks on any
American regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or sexual
orientation is an attack on all of us and on the fundamental values
of equality and dignity that define us as a country. And no act of
hate or terror will ever change who we are or the values that make us
Americans.”
“In the face of hate and violence, we
will love one another. We will not give in to fear or turn against
each other. Instead we will stand united as Americans to protect our
people and defend our nation and to take action against those who
threaten us. May God bless the Americans we lost this morning. May
he comfort their families. May God continue to watch over this
country that we love,” Obama concluded.
The president also thanked the heroism
of first responders and called for greater gun control measures.