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President Obama releases statement on Pulse shooting in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. — President Barack Obama said he was briefed Sunday morning about the shooting at Pulse nightclub Sunday morning in downtown Orlando.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims. The President asked to receive regular updates as the FBI, and other federal officials, work with the Orlando Police to gather more information, and directed that the federal government provide any assistance necessary to pursue the investigation and support the community,” said President Obama.

The Vice President was briefed this morning by his national security advisor on the heinous attack that took place overnight at a nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Vice President Biden offered his prayers for all those killed and injured in the shooting and sends his condolences to all the families and loved ones of the victims.  He is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to receive regular updates as we know more.

About 20 people were killed during the nightclub shooting, Orlando police said.

The FBI, along with numerous other agencies, was investigating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott also released statement Sunday morning regarding the shooting.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, families and all those affected by this horrific tragedy.  We are a strong and resilient state and we will devote every resource available to assist with the shooting in Orlando.  Our state emergency operations center is also monitoring this tragic incident.  I have been in constant communication with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and state and local law enforcement this morning. I would like to also thank all the first responders who quickly came to assist and help those in need.”

Governor Scott is traveling to Orlando now to meet with law enforcement and local officials.

Representative Alan Grayson also released a statement.

"This morning a gunman shot and killed at least 20 people at a nightclub in Orlando, and injured at least 40 others.  Our thoughts and our hearts go out to the victims, their families and the entire Orlando community. Words cannot express the horror, pain and sadness that we feel about this terrible loss. I commend the Orlando police for their heroic efforts to save the lives of those who could be saved.  Local and federal law enforcement are working right now to uncover more information about the motive and other circumstances of the shooting."

Cox Media Group

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