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The Pulse nightclub (Getty)
The White House confirmed this morning that President Barack Obama has been briefed on the situation in Orlando, Florida. Early this morning, a gunman opened fire at the Pulse gay nightclub and at least 50 people were killed and 53 were injured.
The gunman has been identified as Omar Mateen. He was killed by a SWAT team at the scene. ISIS supporters did praise the attack, but it is still not clear if Mateen had connections to the organization.
The White House said that Obama asked for updates from the FBI and other federal officials as they work with local Orlando police in their investigation.
Here’s the full statement:
The President was briefed this morning by Lisa Monaco, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, on the tragic shooting in Orlando, Florida. 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.
UPDATE: Obama is scheduled to speak at 1:30 p.m. ET on the mass shooting.
UPDATE: Here is Vice President Joe Biden’s first statement on the mass shooting:
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.
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