President Barack Obama on Sunday described the worst mass shooting in U.S.
history as "an act of terror" and "an act of hate," saying
the massacre of 50 people at a packed gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida was an
attack on all Americans.
"Today
as Americans we grieve the brutal murder, a horrific massacre of dozens of
innocent people," he said in a statement at the White House.
"Although
it is still early in the investigation, we know enough to say that this was an
act of terror and an act of hate," Obama said.
"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."
He ordered
the flag at the White House to be flown at half staff to honor the victims.
The
shooter, who was identified as Florida resident Omar S. Mateen was killed by
police at the nightclub. A top U.S. congressman said Mateen may have pledged
allegiance to the Islamic State militant group, but U.S. officials cautioned
they had no direct evidence of a connection.
Fifty-three
people were wounded in the rampage, which surpassed the 32 people killed in the
2007 massacre at Virginia Tech university.
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