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Reaction to Florida nightclub mass shooting

Reaction to the Florida mass shooting at the Pulse Orlando nightclub Sunday when police say a gunman wielding an assault-type rifle opened fire before dying in a gunfight with SWAT officers; at least 50 people were killed and dozens of others wounded.

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The Associated Press
ORLANDO, FLORIDA — Reaction to the Florida mass shooting at the Pulse Orlando nightclub Sunday when police say a gunman wielding an assault-type rifle opened fire before dying in a gunfight with SWAT officers; at least 50 people were killed and dozens of others wounded.
___ "Please keep everyone in your prayers as we work through this tragic event. Thank you for your thoughts and love." - Pulse Orlando on its Facebook page.

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"I was thinking, 'Are you kidding me?' So I just dropped down. I just said, 'Please, please, please, I want to make it out.' And when I did, I saw people shot. I saw blood." - Christopher Hansen, who was in the VIP lounge when he heard gunshots.

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"This is an incident, as I see it, that we certainly classify as domestic terror incident." - Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings.

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“We are reeling from the tragedy unfolding in Orlando right now. Equality NC's thoughts and prayers are with our LGBT brothers and sisters, not just in Florida but also across the nation today. The deadly attack in Orlando, as the worst mass shooting in United States History, also marks the worst mass shooting against the LGBT community in the United States.

"The LGBT community has historically faced adversity across the nation and world, and because of that we are resilient and we will continue to stand strong against violence and hatred." - Equality NC

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"We are heartbroken and angry that senseless violence has once again destroyed lives in our state and in our country. Gay clubs hold a significant place in LGBTQ history. They were often the only safe gathering place and this horrific act strikes directly at our sense of safety." - Equality Florida.

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“The shooting that occurred in Orlando was a tragedy, and something that should never take place in our country. Those who died were innocent victims of an inexcusable act of violence. My prayers go out to the victims’ families as well as to Mayor Buddy Dyer and the City of Orlando as they try to comprehend this tragic event. I have reached out to Florida Governor Rick Scott offering my condolences and any assistance we as a state can provide. My Secretary of Public Safety Frank Perry will take part in a Homeland Security briefing at 12 noon to get more details on the situation and assess what action, if any, North Carolina needs to take." - Gov. Pat MCCory
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"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." - Tweet from Hillary Clinton, Democratic presidential candidate.

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Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) today issued the following statement in response to the shooting in Orlando, Florida:

"My heart goes out to all those affected by the horrendous act of terror in Orlando, and Susan and I join all North Carolinians in keeping the victims and their family members in our thoughts and prayers.

"In midst of such a horrific tragedy, we are reminded of the true character of our nation and its people, witnessing the courage and bravery of law enforcement officials and first responders, as well as the generosity of everyday Americans who have already formed long lines to donate blood to help save the lives of victims. The exceptional values and resiliency of America demonstrate why we will never be intimidated by the likes of ISIS terrorists and their cowardly acts of evil."

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"We condemn this monstrous attack and offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those killed or injured. The Muslim community joins our fellow Americans in repudiating anyone or any group that would claim to justify or excuse such an appalling act of violence." - Rasha Mubarak, Orlando regional coordinator for Florida's chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

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Vice President Joe Biden's statement in response to the Orlando, Fla. shooting:

"Jill and I offer our prayers and deepest condolences for all those affected by today’s horrific events. But our prayers are not enough to end these kinds of senseless mass shootings. The violence is not normal, and the targeting of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans is evil and abhorrent. "

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Rev. William Barber released the following statement Sunday night in response to the Orlando shooting:

"Our hearts break and eyes are filled with tears for all those killed and hurt in Orlando. We pray for all those impacted and recommit ourselves to the way of love. We stand against hate and violence in any form.

Hate grows and fuels hate. The culture of hate create the actions of hate. Racial hate, LGBTQ hate, religious hate, class hate, and the rhetoric of hate creates the actions of hate.

Hate wants us to respond and react with hate so that the circle is unending.
But we can't. We must not respond in hate ...not in our politics ...not in our actions... not in our gun policies..because if we do hate wins.

These actions of hate cannot be politicized and use in the propaganda of the politics of hate. "

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