Presidential candidates react to Orlando mass shooting
The 2016 presidential candidates reacted to the massacre with vastly different approaches
Early Sunday morning, 50 people were killed and 53 were injured at a popular gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla. The tragic incident has been called the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. The 2016 presidential candidates reacted to the massacre with vastly different approaches.
Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Party’s presumptive nominee, took to Twitter to give her initial reaction to the “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. -H
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 12, 2016
Clinton weighed in on the shooting as more information was released, calling it an “act of terror” and an “act of hate.”
The back-to-back tweets— most of which were just quotes from her official statement— ended with a sympathetic message to her 6.8 million Twitter followers.
"To the LGBT community: please know that you have millions of allies across our country. I am one of them.” —Hillary https://t.co/MmaGjrSufr
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 12, 2016
"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
Presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump also commented on the “horrific incident” through social media.
Horrific incident in FL. Praying for all the victims & their families. When will this stop? When will we get tough, smart & vigilant?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016
Trump used the social media platform to repeat his call for a Muslim ban and to criticize President Barack Obama.
What has happened in Orlando is just the beginning. Our leadership is weak and ineffective. I called it and asked for the ban. Must be tough
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016
Is President Obama going to finally mention the words radical Islamic terrorism? If he doesn't he should immediately resign in disgrace!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016
In a controversial tweet, Trump took credit for “being right on radical Islamic terrorism” in light of the Orlando massacre.
Appreciate the congrats for being right on radical Islamic terrorism, I don't want congrats, I want toughness & vigilance. We must be smart!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016
On Meet the Press Sunday morning, Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders called the shooting “horrific” and “unthinkable,” and emphasized the need for gun control.
“We have got to do everything that we can to prevent guns from falling into the hands of people who should not have them,” said Sanders.
That afternoon, he issued an official statement in response to the terrorist attack.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones and our thoughts are with the injured and the entire Orlando L.G.B.T.Q. community,” he said in the statement.
Local politicians and groups offered their prayers and assistance as well. Governor Tom Wolf, in his official statement, stressed the importance of public safety in light of the “national tragedy."
“[It] remains the top priority of my administration. We must unite and work together to prevent these horrific acts of violence that are far too frequent in communities and places where residents should feel safe,” he said.
To honor the victims of the Orlando mass shooting, Wolf ordered all U.S. and state flags at the Capitol Complex in Harrisburg, Commonwealth facilities, and all public buildings and grounds throughout the state lowered to half-staff.
GALAEI, a Philadelphia-based LGBT Latino social justice organization, used their social media accounts to remind those affected by shooting to show “resolve” and “resiliency” against the act of discrimination.
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