Obama: Orlando shooting act of terror, act of hate

The President remarked that the FBI, in partnership with local law enforcement, is appropriately leading the investigation into the massacre as an act of terror.

US President Barack Obama gestures during a meeting with American Jewish leaders (photo credit: OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE PHOTO / PETE SOUZA)
US President Barack Obama gestures during a meeting with American Jewish leaders
(photo credit: OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE PHOTO / PETE SOUZA)
US President Barak Obama responded on Sunday night to the horrific attack on an Orlando nightclub that claimed the lives of 50 people and wounded 53 more, saying that "this act of terror was an act of hate."
"This could have been any one of our community and the people of Orlando will receive whatever help and support they need." The President further stressed that not only was it an act of hate, but one that specifically perpetrated against the LGBT community.
Obama also touched on the issue of gun control, stating that the massacre was a further reminder of how easily weapons can be obtained to shoot people in a school, movie theater, or a nightclub.
Obama also expressed gratitude to local authorities and first responders who rushed to the scene and prevented the carnage from being worse.
The President remarked that the FBI, in partnership with local law enforcement, is appropriately leading the investigation into the massacre as an act of terror.
Obama concluded his statement by imploring the American people to love one another in the face of hate and violence and reassured that the American people will stand together.
The President subsequently ordered all of the American flags in the White House to half-staff in memory of the victims of horrific shooting that took place.