ORLANDO, FL. — A nightclub shooting at a club in Orlando has been named the worst mass shooting in the history of the United States, and the worst terrorist attack on the nation’s soil since 9/11, reported CNN.
A status was posted Saturday night on Pulse Orlando’s Facebook that said “everyone get out of pulse and keep running.”
At that time, shooter Omar Marteen had opened fire inside the LGBTQ dance club. At least 50 people were killed, 53 were injured, according to CNN.
Ricardo J. Negron Almodovar was a patron in the club, and posted this on Pulse’s Facebook page:
I was there. Shooter opened fire @ around 2:00am. People on the dance floor and bar got down on the floor and some of us who were near the bar and back exit managed to go out through the outdoor area and just ran. I am safely home and hoping everyone gets home safely as well.
President Barack Obama addressed the nation Sunday regarding the shooting, and said “We know enough to say this was an act of terror and an act of hate. This is an especially heartbreaking day for our friends who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.”
President Obama has ordered that flags be lowered to half-mast in honor of the fallen and the victims.
Marteen had pledged allegiance to ISIS via a 911 call near the time of the attack, according to CNN. The shooter’s father told media that his son had recently become very angry when he saw two men kissing on a street corner.
Attorney General Jim Hood extended condolences to the victims and their families of that terrorist attack.
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go to the families of the victims of this senseless tragedy in Orlando. The law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to prevent additional violence have our deepest gratitude. Mississippi stands behind you.
Governor Phil Bryant reminded Mississippians to pray for those impacted by the shooting via Twitter.
Please join Deborah and me in praying for God’s peace and comfort for those affected by the horrific act of terror in Orlando.
Mississippi Emergency Management officials have also stated support for those dealing with this trying time.
Our prayers are with our friends and colleagues in Florida today as they cope with the horrific nightclub attack in Orlando.
Congressman Bennie Thompson (D, Miss), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security released the following statement:
I want to echo the President’s important words..and condemn these heinous acts of terror in Orlando. This kind of violence and hate cannot be tolerated. In this terrible time, I will continue to keep the families of those in Orlando in my prayers.
I have been in contact with the Department of Homeland Security and I have every confidence that the Federal government will investigate all aspects of this crime and its impact on national security. It is important to note that we must review the facts of these events carefully and not jump to conclusions prematurely. We must counter the ideology and hate of all those who want to do us harm, including those perpetuated by lone wolves.
News Mississippi will continue to update this story.
