President Obama's Statement & More Reactions To The Deadly Orlando Nightclub Shooting

This is a breaking news story. This post continues to be updated.

Following Sunday's deadly shooting at an Orlando, FL, nightclub, stars, politicians, and LGBT activists expressed their shock and sorrow, and called for gun control in the wake of the deadliest shooting in U.S. history, which left at least 50 people dead.

President Obama, visibly shaken, made a brief statement following Sunday's deadly shooting as the White House lowered flags to half-staff. The president sent prayers to the victims' families and the people of Orlando after an "act of terror and an act of hate."

While the president mentioned that the motivations for the shooter are still unknown, he was clear that the shooter "was a person filled with hate." He also added that "this is a sobering reminder that attacks on any American...is an attack on all of us.”

The president then pivoted to a call for action on gun violence. He said the shooting was "a further reminder of how easy it is for someone to get their hands on a weapon." And once again said that the country would have to make a choice on whether to take action — through stronger gun control measures.

Meanwhile, other politicians used their social media platforms to express sympathy. Florida Gov. Rick Scott took to Twitter on Sunday morning, saying that his prayers with the victims' families.

My prayers are with the victims’ families & all those affected by the shooting in Orlando. We will devote every resource available to assist

— Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) June 12, 2016

The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton, said that her "thoughts are with those affected by this horrific act" in a tweet.

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 issued another statement hours later on Facebook, declaring the murders "an act of terror" and "also an act of hate."

Clinton also shared a message specifically to the LGBT community, saying, "Please know that you have millions of allies across our country. I am one of them. We will keep fighting for your right to live freely, openly, and without fear. Hate has absolutely no place in America."

During an interview on Meet The Press on Sunday morning, Bernie Sanders called for automatic weapons not to be sold in the United States.

Sanders said, "It's unthinkable, and hopes go out to those who were shot that they can recover, and I've got to tell you for 25 years now, I've believed that we should not be selling automatic weapons which are designed to kill people, and we've got to do everything we can on top of that to make sure that guns do not fall into the hands of people who should not have them."

Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, was one of the first politicians to react amid claims that the attacks were terrorism. He wrote a series of tweets asking when America will get "tough, smart & vigilant."

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

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

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio tweeted about the need for blood donations for survivors.

If you live in Central Florida, blood donations are needed after mass shooting at #PulseNightclub https://t.co/g0Hg5FK1sY

— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 12, 2016

A Vatican spokesperson told The Associated Press that Pope Francis expressed "deepest feelings of horror and condemnation" over what he called "homicidal folly and senseless hatred." The pope also asked for "prayer and compassion" for the victims and their families.

A statement from the Tony Awards expressed sympathy to the victims' families and noted that tonight's performances will be dedicated to the lives lost.

Breaking: Statement from @TheTonyAwards re Orlando massacre. pic.twitter.com/H6KUhG2T6L

— Michael Paulson (@MichaelPaulson) June 12, 2016

LGBT activist Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey Milk, shared a statement on social media, sending "a world of love and prayers to all those who are grieving today."

My heart aches to release such a sad statement. Orlando LGBT community and leaders being held in our prayers! #hope pic.twitter.com/btw7HZCPeG

— Stuart Milk (@StuartMilk) June 12, 2016

Ellen Degeneres was one of many celebrities who shared their sorrow on social media.

Sobbing.

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) June 12, 2016

I'm heartbroken by this tragedy. Praying for Orlando and the suffering created by this senseless violence.

— Reese Witherspoon (@RWitherspoon) June 12, 2016

A celebration of pride, identity, love & life, now ends w hate & horrible horrible tragedy. This world man. My heart goes out...
Devastating

— solange knowles (@solangeknowles) June 12, 2016

I'm truly at a loss for words. To everyone in Orlando affected by this massacre, my thoughts, love, & prayers are with u ❤️💛💚💙💜

— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) June 12, 2016

Every time I log on....when does it end? Praying for Orlando...

— Zendaya (@Zendaya) June 12, 2016

My heart is broken this morning. So much hate in this world. So many beautiful innocent lives taken last night in Orlando. #PrayForOrlando

— Nick Jonas (@nickjonas) June 12, 2016

Also, it's #LaPride today. be safe, proud and full of love. They will never win. Really wish I could be there with y'all. I love you.

— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) June 12, 2016

Waking up to this horrifying and heartbreaking news. I don't know what to say anymore. #PrayForHumanity #Orlando ❤️💛💚💙💜

— Kourtney Kardashian (@kourtneykardash) June 12, 2016

pic.twitter.com/D7HSofDxLK

— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) June 12, 2016

Other celebrities called for change, specifically tougher gun restrictions.

#GunControlNow

— ADAM LAMBERT (@adamlambert) June 12, 2016

Madness. Hideous and cruel madness. To the survivors, and families of those slain, I'm so sorry. #StopGunViolence

— olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) June 12, 2016

Horrified by the mass shooting in Orlando. When will we do something to prevent these killing sprees?

— John Legend (@johnlegend) June 12, 2016

Ppl who would most need guns for "protection" in America (as pro-gun people say they need guns for) are always the victims of gun violence

— Rowan Blanchard (@rowblanchard) June 12, 2016

There were also strong reactions on Instagram.

50 dead. 53 injured. Saddened and horrified at heart, praying for each victim and the ones who cherish them! Each one was adored by God, we all grieve. These tragedies have to stop! Pray for our world! Pray for peace! #Orlando

A photo posted by Khloé (@khloekardashian) on Jun 12, 2016 at 7:43am PDT

If we can't get rid of guns can we please end homophobia?

A photo posted by Andy Cohen (@bravoandy) on Jun 12, 2016 at 7:52am PDT

In one week: our hearts break for Christina Grimmie and her family, her fans. Our hearts break for the queer community in Orlando, unsafe even in a space they created for themselves. Our hearts break for a country where this is what the news looks like day after day. The concerned citizens of the United States of America demand change.

A photo posted by Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) on Jun 12, 2016 at 7:29am PDT

Words fail me. Such senseless and merciless violence... I can't. You either live from a place of love, or a place of fear. Hatred is an ugly byproduct of fear. Those are our choices. Love has to win. It must. • To all my brothers and sisters in the LGTB community, I love you. You're in my prayers. • If anyone is wondering what they can do in the immediate future to help, please visit orlandohealthfoundation.com. Orlando area hospitals are in crisis mode, and in need of O-, O+, and AB plasma donors. So if you are in the area, please consider donating ASAP. #OrlandoHasMyHeart 💗💛💚💙💜💔

A photo posted by Sophia Bush (@sophiabush) on Jun 12, 2016 at 12:19pm PDT

Last night - in celebration of pride- a group of people - people like you or me or your neighbors or family were dancing & listening to music & celebrating life, just like you or me or your neighbors would. And then, one man and one gun took that life away from them. That's cruel. And it's exactly against what America stands for. I try to make music that hopefully brings joy to people and makes people dance and makes people feel and makes people LOVE... Because there's nothing more pure and beautiful than that act- and the fact that that resulted in the largest mass shooting in American history leaves me heartbroken. I used to LIVE there. I hope we can wake up and realize we are ALL THE SAME. Just humans. One species. Just wanting to be LOVED. #PrayForOrlando #MoreLoveLessHate

A photo posted by Justin Timberlake (@justintimberlake) on Jun 12, 2016 at 12:34pm PDT

My heart goes out to the LGBT community and all involved in another senseless act of evil. Somethings GOT TO change. I'm angry and sad and frustrated that anyone has had to suffer like this and that many live in fear. We are all sick of this shit and should feel safe in our country. Peace and prayers for everyone. ❤️💛💚💙💜

A photo posted by Lucy Hale (@lucyhale) on Jun 12, 2016 at 12:17pm PDT

💔💛💚💙💜 On behalf of my sister Barry, her wife Julie and I - a donation has been placed to support the victims & their families in the Orlando massacre. Link in Bio. Please support the victims of this community that have been senselessly slaughtered. We are broken in their passing. We are shamed by the acts that are taking place in this country. I'm so tired of loving so much that my heart breaks over and over and over yet that is the only solution. Love and accountability. Donate and help the families now. Speak the fuck up and GET GUN CONTROL HANDLED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. End the bigotry. End the hatred. End the terrorism. End the denial that we are living in a radically dangerous world that needs a firm hand, firm laws and countless hugs, kisses and endless healing. There are no words. We love each and every one of you,. I love you my sissy, I love you Julie, I love each and every person in our LGBT community. I would be nowhere without being raised by this community since I was a child. You taught me how to be love, how to love myself, how to accept myself, and there is no amount of money to account for that. But I will continue to do what my mother taught and my sister exemplifies on a daily basis- bravery, action, and creating a safe space for everyone no matter their preferences. Today I honor the gift of loving. Today I am fueled and burning bright with anger, remorse and sorrow for all of the beautiful Souls are gone. That have lost a brother, father, son, friend, husband, partner, sister, daughter, mother, companion. Today is the beginning of inevitable change.

A photo posted by Jaime King (@jaime_king) on Jun 12, 2016 at 12:13pm PDT

Let's live in a world where we can love one another for our differences instead of discriminate & Hate. #Orlando #rip Another sad day. My love and light goes to those who were hurt and the families who are suffering ❤️

A photo posted by Bella Hadid (@bellahadid) on Jun 12, 2016 at 11:31am PDT

Woke up in tears to hear the news about Orlando. Devastated, heartbroken, sick. I played there last Friday and last night I performed after Pride in LA. From the Dj booth you see laughter, love, dancing freedom and beautiful people living their lives not harming anyone. It's one of the beautiful things to see from stage. This horrific tragedy has me on my knees at the mercy of a greater power to ask the simple question of "When will this end"... I'm praying for Orlando, I'm crying for Orlando and I am there with you in spirit sending my love and strength.

A photo posted by Ruby Rose (@rubyrose) on Jun 12, 2016 at 11:29am PDT

Absolutely heartbroken for my hometown, the victims, their loved ones and the entire LGBT community. How many more innocent lives must be lost before we work together to figure out how we #stopgunviolence?

A photo posted by Mandy Moore (@mandymooremm) on Jun 12, 2016 at 10:15am PDT

My friends, Craig and Jim, fathers of two, got married. I was there. I took this. A kiss cannot be KILLED. THIS is LOVE. This is COMMITMENT. This is SACRIFICE. This is FAMILY. This will never STOP. #loveislove @humanrightscampaign

A photo posted by Jamie Lee Curtis (@curtisleejamie) on Jun 12, 2016 at 10:05am PDT

We the people have the power to make a change. We the people MUST make that change. With every slur we throw about so carelessly and every turned cheek we possess... These types of crimes will continue. When will we all realize that we are sisters and brothers in this struggle? Together. -JS #PrayForOrlando #PrayForHumanity #Pulse

A photo posted by Jussie Smollett (@jussiesmollett) on Jun 12, 2016 at 9:43am PDT

I am not heartbroken. Heartbroken is too small a sentiment for what I'm feeling this morning. I'm furious. I'm enraged. The gay community has been through enough, and now this? This is what we let happen, America? No matter what the shooter's intentions were, one thing remains a FACT: We need gun control in this country and we need it now. It's not enough to just talk about doing something anymore. This is a last straw. Everyone get up and get together and force our government to END THIS.

A photo posted by Amber Tamblyn (@amberrosetamblyn) on Jun 12, 2016 at 8:06am PDT

A photo posted by Miley Cyrus (@mileycyrus) on Jun 12, 2016 at 11:28am PDT

Love & equality will always triumph. After many tears & prayers today, making signs to show our support & solidarity. Let's show the world that fear can go fuck itself. Make your sign & meet me at #pride 🌈

A photo posted by Kelly Osbourne (@kellyosbourne) on Jun 12, 2016 at 1:00pm PDT

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