Speaking to the American people from the White House, President Obama called the shooting at the Pulse nightclub “an act of terror, and an act of hate.”
The President added that while the massacre could have taken place in any American community:
“This is an especially heartbreaking day for our friends who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.”
50 people are confirmed dead and another 53 were injured when a man, now identified at Omar Mateen, entered the Pulse club shortly after 2AM EST and began shooting people with an AR-15 assault rifle and a handgun.
Later in his remarks, President Obama noted:
“The shooter targeted a nightclub where people came together to be with friends, to dance, to sing and to live. The place where they were attacked is more than just 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. So, this is a sobering reminder that attacks on any American, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation is an attack on all of us and on the fundamental values of equality and dignity that define us as a country.”
Obama made a vow to the American people:
“No act of hate or terror will ever change who we are or the values that make us American.”
After the President concluded his remarks, the flag which flies at the White House was lowered to half-staff.
Here are the President’s full remarks:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oVlbTAnPB4
Featured Image Via CNN Screengrab
