President Obama Condemns Orlando’s “Horrific Massacre”, America’s Deadliest Mass Shooting

Yesterday’s mass shooting at LGBT nightclub Pulse in Orlando, Florida is officially the deadliest in American history, with at least 50 people killed and 53 more injured.

According to ABC News, 39 people died inside the club, two died outside, and nine died in hospital.

The gunman, 29-year-old Omar Mateen, was killed by police following a three-hour standoff. He was armed with an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle and a handgun, which were both purchased legally.

He reportedly made comments to emergency services suggesting he supported Islamic State, though US officials have said they do not have conclusive evidence of any direct connection between Mateen and IS.

Mateen’s ex-wife, speaking to the Washington Post, described Omar as “not a stable person”, noting that he would often “beat” her. She left him in 2011, fearing for her life.

Relatives have verified the claims that he regularly assaulted his ex-wife, adding that he held anti-gay views.

President Barack Obama described the shooting as “an act of terror and an act of hate”.

“This is an especially heartbreaking day for all our friends -- our fellow Americans -- who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender,” he added.

“The shooter targeted a nightclub where people came together to be with friends, to dance and to sing, and to live. The place where they were attacked is more than a nightclub -- it is a place of solidarity and empowerment where people have come together to raise awareness, to speak their minds, and to advocate for their civil rights.”

President Obama also called for action on more restrictive gun ownership laws, particularly around assault rifles.

“This massacre is therefore a further reminder of how easy it is for someone to get their hands on a weapon that lets them shoot people in a school, or in a house of worship, or a movie theater, or in a nightclub. And we have to decide if that’s the kind of country we want to be. And to actively do nothing is a decision as well.”

Presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump also commented on the shootings via Twitter.

"This is a time to stand together and resolve to do everything we can to defend our communities and country." —Hillary on the attack in FL

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 12, 2016

Really bad shooting in Orlando. Police investigating possible terrorism. Many people dead and wounded.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016

Trump’s comments were widely criticised for their self-congratulatory nature.

Trump is truly an awful person. https://t.co/vQp3CQ9Nmv

— John Legend (@johnlegend) June 12, 2016

Once again, Donald, you have shown why you cannot lead us. 50 people are dead, and you bask in congratulations. https://t.co/pUN7ceAff7

— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) June 12, 2016

His continued recommendation of a “ban” on Muslim immigrants in the wake of the shooting was also condemned, with many noting that Mateen was born in the New York, to Afghan parents.

Locally, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten also commented on the attack. The Prime Minister stressed that Australians "cannot be complacent" and said that Australians "stand in solidarity" with Americans.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull: “This was a murderous attack on gay people…"

— BuzzFeedOz Politics (@BuzzFeedOzPol) June 13, 2016

"An attack on our humanity, on who you are and who you love" OL @billshortenmp on #OrlandoNightclubShooting pic.twitter.com/YItA2SqoME

— Anna Henderson (@annajhenderson) June 13, 2016

Photo: Facebook / The White House.