You have to wonder about the type of person who think of saying something like this.
In the early hours of Sunday morning, 50 people lost their lives after a gunman opened fire in Pulse, an LBGT nightclub in Orlando.
A further 53 people were taken to hospital as a result of what is now being classified as the worst shooting in US history, and largest domestic terrorist attack since September 11, 2001.
In sad times like this, political figures are supposed to show signs of leadership and solidarity; Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for the US Presidency, decided to congratulate himself for having seen it coming.
Appreciate the congrats for being right on radical Islamic terrorism, I don't want congrats, I want toughness & vigilance. We must be smart!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016
This tweet by singer Gabrielle Aplin summed up the flavour of many of the responses.
https://twitter.com/GabrielleAplin/status/742048213969031168
Trump’s tweet of congratulations was preceded by one in which he offered his sympathies for the victims and his families.
Horrific incident in FL. Praying for all the victims & their families. When will this stop? When will we get tough, smart & vigilant?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016
It was followed by calls for the immediate resignation of Barack Obama if he didn’t mention the words “radical Islamic terrorism” in response to the Orlando shooting.
Is President Obama going to finally mention the words radical Islamic terrorism? If he doesn't he should immediately resign in disgrace!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2016
Presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, meanwhile, gave the following response to the tragic events of Sunday morning.
"I join Americans in praying for the victims of the attack in Orlando."
Hillary's statement: https://t.co/MmaGjrSufr
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 12, 2016
"This was an act of terror. … This was also an act of hate." —Hillary on the attack in Orlando https://t.co/MmaGjrSufr
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 12, 2016
"To the LGBT community: please know that you have millions of allies across our country. I am one of them.” —Hillary https://t.co/MmaGjrSufr
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 12, 2016
"We need to keep guns like the ones used last night out of the hands of terrorists or other violent criminals." —Hillary on the FL attack
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 12, 2016
"This is a time to stand together and resolve to do everything we can to defend our communities and country." —Hillary on the attack in FL
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 12, 2016
Many people have called out Trump for taking such a tactless approach in the aftermath of the crisis.
Trump is truly an awful person. https://t.co/vQp3CQ9Nmv
— John Legend (@johnlegend) June 12, 2016
https://twitter.com/TheFix/status/742186817596870657
https://twitter.com/jbarro/status/742035786913218560
Once again, Donald, you have shown why you cannot lead us. 50 people are dead, and you bask in congratulations. https://t.co/pUN7ceAff7
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) June 12, 2016
Orlando mass murderer born in USA yet Donald Trump's boasting he called for ban on Muslims entering the US. He's not helping
— Kevin Maguire (@Kevin_Maguire) June 13, 2016
https://twitter.com/Rob_Flaherty/status/742036365324472320
