Qatar condemns deadliest mass shooting in US history

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has “strongly condemned and denounced” a shooting attack in the US state of Florida that left 50 dead and dozens others wounded.

The suspected gunman, who opened fire at a gay nightclub in Orlando at 2am yesterday morning, was killed by police.

Officials are investigating whether the man, a 29-year-old American of Afghani descent named Omar Mateen, has ties to extremist groups.

CNN reports he called 911 during the attack and pledged allegiance to ISIS.

In a statement, Qatar’s foreign ministry said:

“The State of Qatar reiterates its condemnation of all forms of violence and terrorism, whatever their motives and justifications, and emphasizes the need for concerted international efforts to face criminal acts that target civilians everywhere in the world.”

According to US media, the deadliest shooting in the country prior to yesterday’s attack was in Virginia in 2007, when 32 people were killed.

The way forward

Appearing before the US public to deliver his 15th speech after a mass shooting, President Barack Obama resolved to “defend our people” but also said “We will not give into fear.”

"As Americans, we are united in grief, in outrage, and in resolve to defend our people." —@POTUS on #Orlando pic.twitter.com/ceFk3QSkko

— White House Archived (@ObamaWhiteHouse) June 12, 2016

Meanwhile, presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton called for more gun control.

Her opponent Donald Trump however said more needed to be done to counter “radical Islamic terrorism” and reiterated his desire to temporarily prohibit Muslims from entering the US:

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/742096033207844864

It is unclear how a ban would have kept out the attacker, who was born and raised in the country and was apparently mentally ill, according to his ex-wife.

Condolences

Qatar’s ministry also expressed its sympathies to the “US Government, people and the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.”

Meanwhile, well wishes continue to come in online from people across Qatar:

https://twitter.com/Ibra_stark/status/742122580476317696

https://twitter.com/abdulladarwish1/status/742066044399976448

I've lit candle in my little lantern in memory of all the victims of the terrible #OrlandoShooting, and their families. No place for hate.

— RadioKate (@RadioKate) June 12, 2016