Top politicians express shock, outrage over Orlando mass killing

The mass shooting in Orlando, Fla., has elicited a flurry of comments on Twitter from U.S. and Canadian politicians expressing shock and outrage.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he is "shocked and saddened" by the attack on a nightclub in Florida.

Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Stéphane Dion, tweeted: "This is a shocking act of hate and we express our condolences to friends, family and the entire #LGBTI community"

Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, tweeted that the incident shows he was "right on radical Islamic terrorism." Earlier, he had said: "Really bad shooting in Orlando. Police investigating possible terrorism. Many people dead and wounded."

The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton tweeted earlier: "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. -H"

She later published a statement, saying "this was an act of terror."

The White House said President Barack Obama was briefed on the attack at a gay nightclub that has left 50 people dead and another 53 wounded. He later gave a full statement, saying, "Although it's still early in the investigation, we know enough to say that this was an act of terror and an act of hate. And as Americans, we are united in grief, in outrage, and in resolve to defend our people."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims," White House press secretary Josh Earnest said.

Florida Senator and former Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio sent the following tweet:

"Horrified and saddened by the appalling attack at Orlando LGBT nightclub," New York Senator Chuck Schumer tweeted. "Praying for the victims and their families."

In Canada, federal Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Ralph Goodale tweeted: "Shocked at mass shooting in Orlando. Cdns condemn this brutal violence. Thoughts+prayers with victims and their loved ones."

Interim Conservative Rona Ambrose issued a statement saying, "This attack is a reminder that we must remain steadfast and strongly condemn terrorism, in all its forms, around the world."

"I commend the heroic actions of the law enforcement officers who responded to this attack," she added. "I also send my prayers and deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish a swift recovery to those injured."

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne tweeted:

"Horrified at the apparent terrorist attack on #Pulse #Orlando. Canadians should remain steadfast against this poisonous ideology of jihadism," MP and Conservative Party foreign affairs critic Tony Clement said in a tweet.

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre said in a tweet that City Hall will fly the rainbow flag in solidarity with the LGBT community.

Quebec Premier Philippe tweeted that Quebeckers thoughts are with the victims, their families and "our American neighbors."

In an e-mail message, Global Affairs Canada spokesman François Lasalle said the ministry's emergency response centre in Ottawa and consular officials at the consulate-general in Miami are "working to determine if Canadian citizens have been directly affected and stand ready to provide consular assistance to Canadian citizens."

Canadian citizens in Orlando requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the consulate-general in Miami at 305-579-1600 or call Global Affairs Canada's 24/7 centre collect at 1-613-996-8885. E-mails can be sent to sos@international.gc.ca