Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump adjust politicking following Florida shooting
Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton adjusted their presidential politicking Sunday, first offering prayers and support to the victims of the worst mass shooting in U.S. history. But they both infused their sympathy with statements that favor their presidential aspirations, and the presidential race rolled on. The presumptive candidates made statements hours after a gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside a crowded gay nightclub early Sunday, killing at least 50 people before dying in a gunfight with SWAT officers, police said. Another 53 were hospitalized, most in critical condition. Officials identified the shooter as Omar Mateen of Port St. Lucie, Florida, a U.S. citizen born in New York. Clinton, the presumptive Democratic nominee, pushed for gun control and reached out to a key constituency — gays and lesbians. “The gunman attacked an LGBT nightclub during Pride Month. To the LGBT community: please know that you have millions of allies across our country. I am one of them,” she said in a statement, adding a call to keep assault weapons out of the hands of “terrorists or other violent criminals.” Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, also offered words of support. But then spent the day congratulating himself apparently for predicting more attacks inside the U.S. On Twitter, he renewed talk of his plan to ban Muslims from the U.S. for an indeterminate time. And he went after President Barack Obama. As Obama stepped to the podium in Washington to address the nation early Sunday afternoon, Trump tweeted: “Is President Obama going to finally mention the words radical Islamic terrorism? If he doesn’t he should immediately resign in disgrace!” In his address Obama called the tragedy an act of terror and hate. He didn’t talk about religious extremists, nor did others, reluctant to inflame a stunned nation already on edge about attacks inspired by the Islamic State group. Obama said the FBI would investigate the shootings in the gay nightclub as terrorism but that the alleged shooter’s motivations were unclear. He said the U.S. “must spare no effort” to determine whether Mateen had any ties to extremist groups. Hours later, a law enforcement official confirmed to The Associated Press that Mateen had made a 911 call from the club, professing allegiance to the leader of Islamic State group, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The official was familiar with the investigation but not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The shootings inspired the candidates to shift their schedules and focus. Clinton’s presidential campaign announced it was postponing its first joint event with Obama on Wednesday in Green Bay, Wisconsin, because of the Orlando shooting. Trump said he was changing the focus of his speech Monday at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire from his case against Clinton to “this terrorist attack, immigration and national security.” He also noted that he “said this was going to happen” and repeated his call for Obama to resign for refusing to use the words “radical Islam.” Clinton, Trump added, should drop out of the presidential race for the same reason. Trump has proposed temporarily barring all foreign Muslims from entering the country and has advocated using waterboarding and other harsh interrogation methods. Trump’s first tweet of the day was factual: “Really bad shooting in Orlando. Police investigating possible terrorism. Many people dead and wounded.” Tweeted Clinton: “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.” And then they resumed their plans Sunday. On schedule, Clinton’s campaign unveiled its first general election ad Sunday morning. It will run in battleground states beginning Thursday. And Sen. Bernie Sanders, still in the contest for the Democratic nomination despite Clinton’s claim on it, went on with a round of appearances on the Sunday talk shows. He acknowledged the tragedy — then said he would not drop out of the race and endorse Clinton until he’s convinced she’s committed to fighting wealth disparity. He later issued a statement of sympathy to the Florida victims, with no political overtones. Two hours later, Trump responded to the Clinton ad. “Clinton made a false ad about me where I was imitating a reporter GROVELING after he changed his story. I would NEVER mock disabled. Shame!” The Clinton ad uses footage of Trump onstage, flailing his arms in an apparent attempt to mimic New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski, who suffers from a congenital condition that restricts joint movement. At the time, Trump was taking issue with a story Kovaleski had written for The Washington Post. Roughly two hours after that tweet, Trump returned to the shootings. “Horrific incident in FL. Praying for all the victims & their families. When will this stop? When will we get tough, smart & vigilant?” he tweeted. An hour later, he followed up with some self-praise: “Appreciate the congrats for being right on radical Islamic terrorism, I don’t want congrats, I want toughness & vigilance. We must be smart!” Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
Alabama politicians react to deadly shooting at Orlando nightclub
Following a deadly shooting early Sunday morning that claimed the lives of at least 50, including the gunman, at a popular gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, Alabama politicians offered their condolences for the victims and their somber support for people in Orlando. Here’s what they’re saying: Alabama Governor Robert Bentley (via news release): The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has been briefed by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security regarding the tragedy in Orlando. The act of terror appears at this hour to be an isolated incident with no known immediate threats. However, Alabamians should be on alert, especially when attending large mass gatherings throughout the state. As always, if you see something, say something. Report anything suspicious to the Alabama Fusion Center. ALEA Secretary Stan Stabler is receiving regular briefings as the situation unfolds. The taking of innocent lives is always a hate crime, and any act of terror is a threat to everyone’s security. Alabamians are strong in love and in faith, and I ask the people of our state to pray for the Orlando families, for law enforcement and, yes, for our enemies. We remain diligent in protecting the safety and security of all Alabamians. Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange (via Facebook post): Sending our prayers to Orlando. U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (via Facebook post): I’m deeply saddened by the horrific tragedy in Orlando. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the first responders. Alabama 1st District U.S. Congressman Bradley Byrne: The tragedy in Orlando is a strike at every American. Our hearts go out to the wounded and their families, but most especially to the family and loved ones of all who were killed. There is no room for hate in America, and this ugly crime is the result of a coward following his own hate. It doesn’t matter what the source of that hate was – it was and is an affront to God himself. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Congresswoman Martha Roby (via Facebook post): I’m horrified and heartbroken by the terrorist attack in Orlando. I’m praying for the victims and their families, and I ask others to send prayers of comfort and healing for everyone affected. This is the worst terrorist attack on American soil since September 11, 2001. Though reports on the killer’s ties to specific groups still coming in, we must fully dispel the notion that our struggle against radical Islamic terrorism is solely an overseas fight. That fight is here in the Homeland, and all American leaders must come to grips with it. Alabama 4th District U.S. Congressman Robert Aderholt (via news release): I was sad to hear about the terrorist attack in Orlando, on American soil. This and other attacks we have seen, prove that we do not have the luxury of debating the political correctness of ‘radical Islam ‘. We need to focus on these and other terrorists and do whatever it takes to identify and hunt down those who would do us harm. It was disheartening to hear some in the media, and even the President in his initial remarks, use this tragedy as a means to push any type of political agenda relating to gun control. Terrorists by their very definition are criminals and will find a way get their hands on guns. What the president is proposing would take guns away from the very people who would defend themselves. That said, it is too soon to inject politics into the discussion. The White House and Congress should focus on the task at hand – protecting the homeland. Alabama 6th District U.S. Congressman Gary Palmer (via Facebook post): My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the act of terror in Orlando, their families and the first responders. It is clear the fight against terror has reached the Homeland, but we as Americans cannot give in to terror. Instead, we must stand together and defend the safety of our nation against those who wish to do us harm. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle: Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and the people of Orlando. From one community to another, we stand with you. In vivid instances of hate like the episode of terror early this morning, we’re reminded that we as a people cannot let violence define our city, our state, or our nation. In Huntsville, we will not tolerate bigotry or intolerance. Truly, we are stronger – better – when we unite together as Americans. It is important to know that we have no reason to believe Huntsville is under any threat at this time. We’ve been in close contact with the Huntsville Police department since early this morning and will continue to closely monitor the situation and take appropriate measures to keep Huntsville safe. The ability to live our lives peacefully is one of our most basic responsibilities as leaders and public servants. And it’s one we’ll continue to stand up for vigorously.
Planned Donald Trump speech to pivot from Hillary Clinton to terror, immigration following Orlando attack
Following the nation’s most deadly mass shooting that left 50 dead at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Donald Trump said Sunday he will change the subject of a planned Monday speech to address “this terrorist attack, immigration, and national security.” Trump had originally planned to use the speech to present a litany of attacks against Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton. According to senior Trump campaign staff, the presumptive GOP nominee was going to serve up a “charge sheet” against Clinton, including broadside attacks on her infamous private email server, her handling of the Benghazi consulate attack, and allegations for the former Secretary of State tried to silence women who may have been involved with her husband, former President Bill Clinton. While Republican consultants and party leaders have advised Trump to avoid the more personally tinged attacks, most of which date back decades, events have forced Trump to abandon the speech altogether. Trump said in a statement Sunday he will instead continue a favored line of argument: the need to “get tough” on what he called radical Islamic terrorism and stem the tide of immigration from Muslim-majority countries. Earlier in the day Trump said he “appreciated the congratulations” from supporters who said he was right to make Islamic terrorism a central focus of his campaign, and claimed credit for predicting more attacks would afflict the nation. “What has happened in Orlando is just the beginning. Our leadership is weak and ineffective. I called it and asked for the ban. Must be tough,” Trump tweeted on Sunday. In the statement, Trump fixated on the attacker’s Muslim and Middle Eastern origins, rather than his anti-gay views or his use of a legally purchased AR-15 assault rifle in the deadly dance club siege. “The terrorist, Omar Mir Saddique Mateen, is the son of an immigrant from Afghanistan who openly published his support for the Afghanistani Taliban and even tried to run for President of Afghanistan,” said Trump. “According to Pew, 99 percent of people in Afghanistan support oppressive Sharia Law.” Trump brandished those facts as evidence in favor of his notorious plan to ban Muslims from immigrating to the United States. “We admit more than 100,000 lifetime migrants from the Middle East each year. Since 9/11, hundreds of migrants and their children have been implicated in terrorism in the United States,” said Trump. “Hillary Clinton wants to dramatically increase admissions from the Middle East, bringing in many hundreds of thousands during a first term – and we will have no way to screen them, pay for them, or prevent the second generation from radicalizing. “If we do not get tough and smart real fast, we are not going to have a country anymore. Because our leaders are weak, I said this was going to happen — and it is only going to get worse. I am trying to save lives and prevent the next terrorist attack. We can’t afford to be politically correct anymore,” Trump continued. Trump made no specific reference to the apparent anti-LGBT motivation behind the shooter’s attack. Trump will give his revamped remarks on Monday at New Hampshire Institute of Politics at St. Anselm’s College in Manchester, NH.
Texas lieutenant governor tweets ‘reap what you sow’ after Florida nightclub shooting
Hours after an estimated 50 people were killed at a Florida nightclub, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick tweeted a “reap what you sow” Bible quote. About 7 a.m. Sunday, a tweet from Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick — which has since been deleted — quoted Galatians 6:7: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” The backlash on the tweet was swift, where many people considered it inappropriate and insensitive in light of the events. The Texas Democratic Party has called for an apology. “Tweeted as new breaks of mass casualties at a gay nightclub. Vile,” wrote one Twitter user, according to the Houston Chronicle. “Have you no shame?” According to Allen Blakemore with Patrick’s office, the tweet was prescheduled and had nothing to do with the shooting, “This was certainly not done with any foreknowledge of the events of the day,” Blakemore told The Dallas Morning News. About 30 minutes later, Patrick tweeted another from the account from Psalm 37:39: “the Salvation of the righteous come from the Lord; He is their stronghold in time of trouble.” The Houston Chronicle reports Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa has called for thoughts and prayers to the LGBTQ community. “Hate and violence have no place in America,” Hinojosa said in a statement. “Unfortunately, Texans in mourning for our families in Florida woke up to an embarrassment from their lieutenant governor. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, please apologize immediately. Make this right. We are better than this.”
50 dead in Florida nightclub shooting, worst in US history
A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside a crowded Florida nightclub early Sunday, killing at least 50 people in the worst mass shooting in American history before dying in a gunfight with SWAT officers, police said. Authorities were investigating it as an act of terrorism. At least 53 other people were hospitalized, most in critical condition, officials said. “I think we will see the death toll rise,” said Dr. Mike Cheatham a trauma surgeon at Orlando Regional Medical Center. Mayor Buddy Dyer said all of the dead were killed with the assault rifle. “There’s blood everywhere,” Dyer said. The suspect exchanged gunfire with an officer working at the gay club known as Pulse around 2 a.m., when more than 300 people were inside. The gunman then went back inside and took hostages, Police Chief John Mina said. Around 5 a.m., authorities sent in a SWAT team to rescue the hostages. Police have not determined an exact number of casualties, but Mina said “approximately 20” bodies were inside the club. In addition to the guns, the shooter also had some sort of “suspicious device,” Mina said. Authorities were looking into whether the attack was an act of domestic or international terror, and if the shooter acted alone, according to Danny Banks, an agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. “This is an incident, as I see it, that we certainly classify as domestic terror incident,” Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said. The suspect was identified as Omar Mateen of Port St. Lucie, Florida. Rep. Alan Grayson named the shooter, citing law enforcement officials. A federal law enforcement official with knowledge of the investigation also confirmed the name. The official was not authorized to discuss the investigation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. FBI agent Ron Hopper said there was no further threat to Orlando or the surrounding area. When asked if the gunman had a connection to radical Islamic terrorism, Hopper said authorities had “suggestions that individual has leanings towards that.” Police had said previously on Twitter that there was a “controlled explosion” at the scene of the shooting. Mina said that noise was caused by a device intended to distract the shooter. A woman who was outside the dance club early Sunday was trying to contact her 30-year-old son, Eddie, who texted her when the shooting happened and asked her to call police. He told her he ran into a bathroom with other club patrons to hide. He then texted her: “He’s coming.” “The next text said: ‘He has us, and he’s in here with us,’” Mina Justice said. “That was the last conversation.” Dozens of police vehicles swarmed the area around the club. At least two police pickup trucks were seen taking what appeared to be shooting victims to the Orlando Regional Medical Center. Pulse posted on its own Facebook page around 2 a.m.: “Everyone get out of pulse and keep running.” Just before 6 a.m., the club posted an update: “As soon as we have any information, we will update everyone. Please keep everyone in your prayers as we work through this tragic event. Thank you for your thoughts and love.” Local, state and federal agencies were investigating. President Barack Obama was briefed on the attack and has asked for regular updates on the investigation, the White House said. The attack follows the fatal shooting late Friday of 22-year-old singer Christina Grimmie, who was killed after her concert in Orlando by a 27-year-old Florida man who later killed himself. Grimmie was a YouTube sensation and former contestant on “The Voice.” Jon Alamo said he was at the back of one of the club’s rooms when a man holding a weapon came into the front of the room. “I heard 20, 40, 50 shots,” Alamo said. “The music stopped.” Club-goer Rob Rick said the shooting started just before closing time. “Everybody was drinking their last sip,” he said. He estimated more than 100 people were still inside when he heard shots, got on the ground and crawled toward a DJ booth. A bouncer knocked down a partition between the club area and an area in the back where only workers are allowed. People inside were able to then escape through the back of the club. Christopher Hansen said he was in the VIP lounge when he heard gunshots. He continued to hear shooting even after he emerged and police urged people to back away from the club. He saw the wounded being tended to across the street. “I was thinking, ‘Are you kidding me?’ So I just dropped down. I just said, ‘Please, please, please, I want to make it out,’” he said. “And when I did, I saw people shot. I saw blood. You hope and pray you don’t get shot.” Republished with permission of the Associated Press.
